Latest news with #heatrelatedillnesses
Jordan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Jordan Times
Beat the heat Staying one step ahead
Dr Said Qabbaah Medical Writer & Public Health Expert Although both are preventable, they can lead to serious health complications if not managed properly. So, in order to enjoy your summer in the Kingdom, or wherever you may be, it is essential to watch out for the symptoms and know how to best avoid them. Understanding heat-related illnesses The human body maintains a stable internal temperature, usually around 37°C, through a process called 'thermoregulation' which is the body's natural way of keeping its temperature within a healthy range, even as outside conditions change. When external temperatures rise in Jordan, your body responds by sweating and increasing blood flow to the skin to overcome the heat. However, prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with high humidity, dehydration, or physical exertion, can overwhelm your body's ability to cool itself down, resulting in heatrelated illnesses. These conditions occur in stages, beginning with mild symptoms, such as heat cramps progressing to more serious forms, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The latter can impair vital organ functions and may even require urgent medical attention. Heat exhaustion: A warning sign Heat exhaustion is a condition that results from excessive loss of water and salt, usually through sweating. If you are exposed to high temperatures, particularly during physical activity, be cautious. Causes & risk factors Several factors can increase the likelihood of heat exhaustion, including: - Hot and humid weather. - Intense physical activity. - Dehydration. Wearing excessive or non-breathable clothing. - Alcohol consumption. - Certain medications, such as diuretics and antihistamines. - Age (young children and senior citizens are more susceptible). - Chronic illnesses, such as heart or kidney disease. Symptoms of heat exhaustion Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are generally quite vague and may resemble those of other conditions, but common features to look out for include: - Heavy sweating. - Weakness or fatigue. - Dizziness or light-headedness. - Headache. - Nausea or vomiting. - Muscle cramps. - Cool, moist skin. - Fast heartbeat. - Low blood pressure when standing. These symptoms often develop gradually and may improve with rest, hydration and self-cooling. However, if not dealt with quickly or appropriately, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. Heat stroke: A medical emergency Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat-related illness and is considered a medical emergency. It happens when the body's temperature regulation fails, causing the core body temperature to rise above 40°C. Unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke can cause direct damage to organs and tissues and may be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Heat stroke may develop in two main ways: 1. Exertional heat stroke: Normally affects younger, active individuals engaging in strenuous activity in hot conditions 2. Non-exertional (classic) heat stroke: More common in senior citizens, individuals with chronic illnesses, or those in poorly ventilated environments While the risk factors are mostly the same as heat exhaustion, the signs and symptoms of a heat stroke tend to be different. Symptoms of heat stroke Heat stroke is accompanied by a significant rise in body temperature. Other symptoms may include: - Confusion or altered mental status. - Slurred speech. - Seizures. - Hot and dry skin (though some people may continue to sweat). - Rapid breathing. - Loss of consciousness. - Absence of sweating despite heat exposure. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to avoid organ damage or even death. Diagnosis & management Quickly recognising the symptoms is critical to managing heat-related illnesses. If you suspect that you may be suffering from heat exhaustion, move to a cooler place and drink plenty of water. You can add Himalayan salt to your water to restore your electrolyte balance and compensate for the salt you lost through sweating. Using cool cloths or taking a cool shower can also help bring your body temperature down. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, you will need urgent medical attention. For heat stroke, emergency services should be contacted immediately. While waiting for help, use ice packs or spray cool mist on yourself, if you have it. In severe cases, blood tests may be used to assess important parameters such as organ function and electrolyte levels. Prevention strategies Here's how you can prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke whilst enjoying the weather in Jordan: - Staying hydrated by drinking water regularly, even if not thirsty, while avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration. - Dressing appropriately by wearing lightweight, breathable and light-coloured clothing. - Limiting outdoor activity especially during the hottest parts of the day (usually between 12pm- 4pm). - When possible, using cooling methods such as fans, spending time in air-conditioned spaces, or taking cool showers. - Allowing your body time to adjust gradually over several days if you're working or exercising in a hot environment. - Monitoring senior citizens by checking in on them, as well as infants and those with chronic illnesses during heatwaves. - Being aware of the symptoms which can help prevent progression to a more serious illness. As heatwaves grow more intense in Jordan and globally, so do the health dangers they bring. Recognising the early signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke could be the difference between a quick recovery and a life-threatening emergency. Staying one step ahead of the heat isn't just smart, it could potentially save a life. Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Dangerous heat and humidity build from Toronto to St. John's
A long-duration [spell of extreme heat and humidity]( will continue to blanket much of Eastern Canada into this upcoming week. Temperatures in the middle to upper 30s will combine with high humidity to lead to dangerous conditions for the next several days. Excess moisture in the atmosphere will keep nights muggy, preventing any meaningful relief from the heat of the day. Humid heat affects everyone. Sensitive groups are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, but even healthy folks are susceptible to heat exhaustion or worse in extreme heat. DON'T MISS: Temperatures stay hot into this upcoming week Widespread heat warnings are in effect from Ontario through Newfoundland. This includes cities such as Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Fredericton, Charlottetown, Gander, and St. John's. A strong ridge of high pressure parking over Eastern Canada will lead to numerous days of high heat combined with excessive humidity, which could lead to feels-like values in the upper 30s to around 40 at times. Multiple cities—including Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal—are in the midst of a four- to five-day stretch of daytime highs at or above 30°C. Saturday marked the third day this year we've seen a high temperature at or above 30°C in St. John's, making for the highest number of 30-degree days ever recorded in a single year. This Saturday also featured Toronto's nineteenth day at or above 30°C so far this season, pushing the city past its average of 17 such days per year. MUST SEE: The extreme heat and lack of precipitation has allowed conditions to reach 'very high' to 'extreme' fire danger across much of Atlantic Canada. Widespread burn bans are in effect across all four provinces. Why humid heat is dangerous Sweat cools us off by wicking heat away from our skin as it evaporates. Humidity prevents our sweat from evaporating efficiently—the trapped heat causing our body temperature to rise. This can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. RELATED: Humidity also prevents nighttime lows from cooling off as much as normal, providing little to no relief from extreme daytime temperatures. Day after day of high heat and humidity take a toll on those living without air conditioning, folks who have chronic illnesses, and the elderly. Seek out air conditioning as much as possible, stick to the shade, stay well hydrated, and frequently check in with your vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours. Header image created using graphics and imagery from Canva. WATCH: Five tips to keep in mind during a heat wave
