What actions should you take to lessen the effects of heat-related illnesses?

Aliyu Tijani - IMG, MPH, CHES

I was frequently asked why it was so hot in Texas, or wherever they lived, by strangers and associates. I am aware that if I don't respond, people will act strangely. Even though I didn't major in climate change, why will I still be able to give a strong and supportive response? Folks! As a Certified Health Education Specialist, I do have the authority and privilege to offer health advice on how to lessen the harmful effects of heat waves, but I am not qualified to determine what causes them.

Since the beginning of July 2024, the average temperature in most of the United States has been 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and in August, it will be higher. It is crucial to understand that your metabolic system's hemostasis can become unstable at a temperature this high in the summer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a report on heat guidelines that states that the current weather can harm your health in the following ways: heat exhaustion, heat stroke, confusion, and heat-related death. Regretfully, the CDC estimates that heat-related illnesses result in 1,122 fatalities annually in the US.

Saying that heat has a negative impact on public health in the US and elsewhere is a fact. For instance, the parasite falciparum multiplies more readily in warm climates like those in West Africa, where I was raised. Heat stroke is a real condition in America, where I currently live and it can cause heat death. The following are some of the CDC's preventive factors against sickness connected to heat-related illnesses:

a.       Wear clothing that is appropriate for summer heat.

b.      A cool shower will help to stay cool more often.

c.       Air conditioning should be left running in homes and cars to reduce the impact of heat.

d.      Sunscreen and sunshades will be beneficial to protect your skin and eyes respectively.

e.       Rehydrate very often – recommended to take about 4L of fluid daily except if you are on                         water pills or have medical conditions that will affect taking excess water.

f.        Call 911 for emergencies

Recommendation

Heat tracker site for your location – please see: Heat & Health Tracker | Tracking | NCEH | CDC

Reference

            1.    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Extreme Heat. February 19, 2024. Available at                           Preventing Heat-Related Illness | Extreme Heat | CDC. Accessed July 14, 2024.

All rights reserved. Reach out to me at tijjal@gmail.com or aliyu_adekilekun1@baylor.edu to be a contributor to this blog post or give comments.

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