The beginning of this week started with an unexpected weather condition. In contrast to last week’s cool weather condition, this week started with a strong heat wave that has left a lot of Nigerians complaining.
In the true Nigerian Spirit, Nigerians have taken to social media to make funny posts and memes about the new heat wave. However, it is important to note that this current weather condition should not be taken lightly because apart from making one uncomfortable,there are also serious health risks that accompany this type of weather.
The heatwave can affect anyone regardless of their age, however, babies and people over the age of 65 are at most risk. People also highly affected by this weather condition include young children, pregnant women, and people with existing serious health conditions such as Heart Condition,Diabetes, Kidney disease and Lung diseases.
Individuals who are on multiple medications and those who spend a lot of time outdoors because of their jobs are not excluded.
Some of the heat-related health illnesses associated with heat wave include the following:
Dehydration: Loss of more fluids than the body takes in
Heat stroke: When the body loses an excessive amount of Water and Salt. This usually causes Tiredness, excessive thirst and headache.
Heat exhaustion: This is the most serious heat related illness. It usually occurs when the body is overheating, that is when the body can no longer control its own temperature. It usually causes, dizziness, confusion and sometimes unconsciousness.
Effective Ways To Manage Heat Wave
- Stay Hydrated
This is the time to ensure that you always have a bottle of water with you or near you. Whenever you feel thirsty ensure you drink water immediately. Also when going to a far distance, make sure you have water with you just in case you are unable to get water before you get to your destination.
This is the only effective way to beat dehydration.
- Use Sunscreen
The sun rays during hot weather are always quite intense than the other times and as we all know the uv rays coming from the sun can negatively affect the skin by causing both premature aging and also sunburn. Using sunscreen and reapplying every 2-3 hours can effectively prevent this.
- Limit Alcohol Intake
Alcohol is a major culprit that causes dehydration, taking too much of alcohol when the body is struggling to regulate its temperature is not safe.
- Make use of Air-conditioners or Fans
This is not the time to be stingy about electricity bills as your comfort and health is at risk. If you can afford to, put on your Air conditioners and fans all day long and if you do not have one you can visit public spaces that do, for example, cinemas, shopping malls, public libraries and so on.
If you cannot do all of these, then keep your home cool by keeping the windows and doors open- at a safe rate. Remember, safety is important as well. Taking multiple showers can also help in this situation.
- Eat Fresh Fruits and Cool Food
This is the time to invest heavily in fresh fruits that have cooling effects such as cucumbers and watermelon. Also avoid eating hot food as much as possible and also eat lighter meals.
- Know When To Exercise
During this period, exercise should be left for the cooler parts of the day such as very early in the morning or in the later hours of the evening. Make sure you have a bottle of water handy.
- Wear Light or Loose Fitting Clothes.
Dress according to the weather. The weather condition does not have to ruin your swag. You can still display your sense of style with loose fitting as well as light clothes that don’t feel heavy on the body. Just know your body type and what works with it and you are good to go.