08-04-2025
Protect your health and vehicles from heat
With temperatures hovering around 40 degrees Celsius, experts have urged people especially those working outdoors to take summer precautions.
One must drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Consuming alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks can hurt more than help during summer.
"Summer has already hit Oman, and temperatures are nearly 40 degrees on some days. In this case, unless certain precautions are taken to avoid sunstroke and falling prey to heat waves, one wouldn't be able to stay healthy during the extreme temperatures," says Dr Mohammed al Rahbi, a specialist in emergency medicine.
If anyone develops symptoms like body aches, dizziness, tiredness, shivering, fever, loose motion, vomiting, consult a doctor immediately as timely intervention can prevent further loss of water and electrolytes from the body and hasten recovery," said Dr Al Rahbi
One should also wear loose and light-coloured clothing which is better than wearing dark coloured outfits which will absorb heat.
"Caps can protect one from direct sunlight on the face and usage of sunscreens is advisable. Frequent sips of water are the need of the hour as they can keep you dehydrated,' adds another doctor.
Those who are working outside during these sweltering months, beware. Although the three-month-long midday break would start in June, you need to protect yourself as summer is here.
For blue collared workers, they should take a rest in the shade during peak hours and work on either side of peak hours, or in the evening and nighttime. They should also make sure they drink sufficient water.
Dr Viresh Chopra from the Oman Dental College suggests everyone, especially the elderly to avoid direct sun exposure, especially between 11 am and 4 pm
'With temperatures soaring to 39–40°C, Oman is experiencing an unusually intense summer. We should take necessary precautions by staying hydrated drinking plenty of water throughout the day by wearing light, breathable clothing and using sun protection when outdoors. Apart from these, we should make sure we keep checking on elderly family members and young children regularly. Also, never leave anyone, especially children or pets, in parked vehicles where they face risks of dehydration,' said Dr Chopra.
Dr Sanjay Dalal advises families to keep their homes cool and comfortable as the mercury dips by using curtains, air conditioners and coolers.
'It is strongly advised to take ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, lime juice etc. Take a bath in cold water which helps to rehydrate the body. If you feel ill, see a doctor immediately, said Dr Dalal.
Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness.
'Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks, sugary drinks which dehydrate the body. If you work outside, wear a hat and also use a damp cloth on your head, neck, face and limbs. Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles,' he said.
Travel tips during summer:
1. Driving in extremely hot weather can be harmful to your health, and the health of your vehicle.
2. When travelling in very hot weather, always keep an eye on the temperature warning light.
3. Never leave a child alone in a car, not even for one minute
4. Check battery, tires, cooling systems regularly
5. Kill the engine while filling petrol at petrol station
5. Pack plenty of water in the car while travelling.
