LAHORE – Heatwaves have developed in most parts of Pakistan, putting the health and even the lives of people at risk if necessary precautions are not taken. The harsh weather conditions will likely persist with varying intensities until May 27.
Here are some key facts about heat waves and necessary tips to avoid serious health hazards. Extreme heat kills more people per year than any other climate hazard.
A heatwave is a period of scorching weather typically lasting two or more days. It usually develops when a high-pressure area strengthens in the upper atmosphere. Climate change, urbanization, and deforestation are the causes of this unusual weather pattern. Such phenomena can cause drought, damage agriculture, and impact the health of humans, animals, and birds.
The health impacts of heat waves are heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, weak pulse, muscle cramps, headache, nausea, and dizziness), heat stress (rapid heartbeat, headache, cramps, weakness, chest pain, difficulty breathing), and heat stroke (high body temperature, fast and strong pulse, losing consciousness, nausea, headache, and dizziness).
Here are some safety steps to prevent heat stroke.
Here are some important preventive measures to avoid heat/sunstroke:
1. Avoid going outside during the hottest time of the day.
2. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, usually in the morning between 4am and 7am.
3. Stay in the shade.
4. Do not leave children or animals in parked vehicles.
5. Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydration.
6. Limit time in direct sunlight during hot weather or in places with high environmental temperatures.
7. Refrain from vigorous physical activities in hot and humid weather.
8. Take breaks from the sun and drink plenty of water/fluids if working outside.
9. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks as they can worsen dehydration.
10. Consume salty foods and use an umbrella.
11. Wear hats, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes during hot/humid conditions.
12. Keep the body cool and hydrated by taking cool showers or baths during a heatwave.
13. Use cold packs, wraps, towels, sponging, and foot baths to keep cool.
14. Move to a cool place if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious, or have intense thirst and headache during a heatwave. Drink water or fruit juice to rehydrate.
15. If you experience painful muscular spasms, rest in a cool place and drink oral rehydration solutions (ORS) containing electrolytes.
16. Seek medical attention if heat cramps last for more than one hour.
17. Victims of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment/management.
Heatwave will likely persist in Islamabad, Pakistan with 04-06°C above normal temperatures
