More often than not, we think heat has to be extreme (100°) before it can cause sickness, but all it needs is a temperature as high as 40°C. To stay safe in times like this, it is advisable to do the following:
1. STAY HYDRATED:
Staying hydrated in hot weather is paramount to staying healthy. Drink at least three litres of water daily to hydrate yourself, as fluid leaves your body in the form of sweat and must be replaced to keep yourself healthy. An oral rehydration solution (ORS) can also be taken. To achieve this, dissolve six level teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 level teaspoon of salt in 1 litre of clean water if no premade ORS is available.
Breastfeed infants to rehydrate them. Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to also drink water frequently to stay hydrated. Ensure you carry along a water bottle and a small towel, so you can hydrate and cool down by placing a wet towel on your neck.
2. Wear light clothing
Overdressing in the heat can make you hot faster; choose light or loose cotton clothes to help reduce heat rashes and absorb sweating. Cotton bed sheets are also recommended over non-breathable materials.
Taking immediate steps to cool the body of your infant is critical to avert heat-related illnesses. Infants cannot express themselves when they are hot; they resort to crying. It would be best if you understood when to reduce their clothing and give them water to hydrate them.
It is advisable not to place the fan directly in the face of the infant or immerse them in cold water; rather, wear lighter clothes during hot weather. Choosing appropriate clothing is essential to reducing heat. A dark cloth would increase the heat; hence, white, coloured and light clothing are advisable to reduce the heat.
3. Take cold baths
For adults, a cold bath in hot weather would help reduce blood flow to the skin and, in turn, simmer down body temperature. Do not keep track of how many times you shower during extremely hot days, especially when you are sweating more than normal. Not only does a cold bath keep the body cool, but it also keeps you fresh and reduces the smell.
In conclusion, with about 200 million people in Nigeria, we are highly dependent on fossil fuels, one of the major drivers of climate change. Coping with hot weather requires proactive measures to stay cool and healthy.