Beat The Heat
The soaring temperatures could cause more than just sweat and fatigue.
Heat exhaustion, says Dr Ian Mathews, associate consultant from National University Hospital (NUH), is a real danger.
"These injuries occur because the body's internal core temperature has increased and the body's ability to bring down this raised temperature has diminished," says Dr Mathews, who works in NUH's Emergency Medicine Department.
In serious cases, heat exhaustion can even result in a heat stroke. Symptoms for heat injuries include dizziness, nausea and vomiting, increased thirst or a dry mouth, weakness and lethargy.
While patients with heat exhaustion may sweat profusely, those in danger of heat stroke could stop sweating altogether.
NUH has seen a slight increase in heat-related injuries over the last two months.
These heat injuries occur mainly among two groups of people: Those who perform strenuous activities in a hot environment and those who cannot remove themselves from these environments, such as the elderly or the young.
According to Dr Mathews, over-exertion, failure to adequately hydrate and poor physical fitness are reasons that could lead to heat exhaustion.
"Alcohol and stimulant use prior to activity, or a recent viral or bacterial infection, may also contribute to heat-related injuries."
HOW TO BEAT THE HEAT.
- Wear loose-fitting, heat-permeable and light-coloured clothing.
- Drink fluids to stay hydrated.
- Take more breaks between activities.
- Reduce outdoor activities during the hot part of the day or stay in the shade.
- Plan your sport and exercise activity in the cooler hours of the day.
- Watch for symptoms of heat-induced illness and seek medical attention.
Source: Ministry Of Health Facebook
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