Over the past few weeks in Nigeria, the nation has experienced a swift change from cold to a very intense heat wave. As a result of this, medical practitioners from various fields had all come out to warn the general public about the dangers associated with such weather condition and also advised on steps to take to stay safe during the heat wave.
Also there has been various speculations, both scientifically backed and not scientifically backed, about the various health conditions that may suffer greatly during this weather condition.
Speaking about the current weather condition, the Abia State Government, through the Department of Climate Change of the Ministry of Environmental and Urban Renewal, has advised the people of the state to stick to the guidelines laid by the Nigerian Meteorogical Agency (NiMET) about steps to take to stay safe during the heat wave.
According to the advice of NiMET to the general public, they encouraged people to stay hydrated, eat Fresh foods as well as fruits that are high in water content such as Cumber, watermelon and cashew, staying indoors during the period of the day when it’s the hottest, and also avoidance of alcoholic beverages.
Abia State Government also warned the people of Abia State about the negative impacts of the heat wave on the human health such as dehydration,heat rashes, chicken pox, skin cancer and so on.
Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogboanna, on Wednesday made a statement concerning this, he said,”While the state government is reassuring the people of its commitment to their welfare and security, Abians are reminded that health is wealth and that they should do all they can to live a healthy life”.