When the sun shines, fun is on everyone’s agenda but be careful of too much fun under the sun as heat might cause:
• Sunburns;
• Heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramps;
• Dehydration;
• Formation of blood clots that block arteries and veins leading to heart and brain severe injuries;
• Aggravation of chronic pulmonary conditions, cardiac conditions, and kidney disorders.
Who is at risk?
Anybody is at risk but particularly:
• Infants and children up to 4 years.
• People aged 65 years and above.
• People who are overweight.
• People who suffer from chronic illnesses.
• People who take medications such as diuretics that aggravate dehydration and heat exhaustion.
How can we prevent the harmful effects of sun and heat?
- Drink plenty of fluids. Don’t wait to drink until you feel thirsty.
- Use adequate good quality sunscreen.
- Replace salt and minerals. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals lost in sweat.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully. Limit your activity to morning and evening hours. Try to stay cool indoors.
- Start an activity slowly and gradually increase the pace to help your body get used to the pace.
- Limit your physical activity until you become accustomed to the heat.