Summer is here, & with it comes the scorching heat of a heatwave. While many of us look forward to beach days and outdoor BBQs, extreme temperatures can severely affect our health. From dehydration to heatstroke, heat waves can strain our bodies, so we cannot afford to ignore them. In this blog post, we’ll explore how heat waves affect human health and the steps you can take to stay safe during these sizzling hot days. So grab an ice-cold drink, and let’s dive in!
What Is A Heatwave?
An extended stretch of unusually hot weather is known as a heatwave, typically two or more days. The effects of a heatwave on human health can be significant, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young children, older people, and those with chronic medical conditions. Heatwaves can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke in extreme cases. Symptoms of these conditions include headache, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, and muscle cramps. If you go through any of these during a heatwave, it is essential to seek medical advice.
How heatwave is different from just summer heat
A heatwave is a time when the temps are unusually high, typically lasting several days. The main difference between a heatwave and summer heat is the duration of the event. Heatwaves usually last several days, whereas summer heat is generally less long-lasting.
Heatwaves can have several different effects on human health, depending on the event’s severity. In general, heat waves can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke in extreme cases. When the body expels more fluids than it absorbs, dehydration results & can lead to symptoms such as thirst, dizziness, and lightheadedness. A more serious case of dehydration is heat fatigue which can cause fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Finally, heat stroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness and can occur when the body’s temperature exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, seizures, and coma.
Heatwaves can be particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, & people with chronic medical conditions. These groups are more susceptible to dehydration and heat exhaustion because they struggle to regulate their body temperature. Additionally, people who are physically active or work outdoors are at increased risk for heat-related illness because they are exposed to higher temperatures for prolonged periods.
How do heat waves affect human health?
When a heatwave hits, the first thing most people think about is how uncomfortable it will be. But the truth is, a heat wave can seriously affect your health, mainly if you’re not used to the heat.
Dehydration is one of the most common problems during a heatwave. When your body temperature rises, you sweat more to try and cool down. But if you need to drink more fluids, you can become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include feeling thirsty, lightheaded, and tired. Also, if you’re sweating a lot and urinating less than usual, that’s another sign that you’re dehydrated.
Heat exhaustion is another risk during a heatwave. It happens when your body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Symptoms include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, headache, nausea, & vomiting. If untreated, heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, a condition that could be deadly.
If you have any chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, you’re at an even greater risk for health problems during a heatwave. So it’s essential to stay calm and hydrated if you’re in an area with a heat advisory or warning in effect.
Symptoms of heat stroke
- A body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweat)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Unconsciousness
Who is the most exposed to extended high temperatures?
Several groups of people are more vulnerable to the health effects of heatwaves, including:
- Elderly people
- Young children
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic illnesses
Dehydration is more prone to occur in older adults and heat exhaustion due to age-related physiological changes. Young children’s bodies are not as good at regulating their internal temperature, which makes them more susceptible to heatstroke. Pregnant women’s bodies also undergo changes that make them more vulnerable to overheating. People with chronic illnesses may have a weakened immune system or other condition that makes them more likely to experience complications from a heatwave.
How to tackle heat waves?
Learning how to protect your health can be difficult when a heatwave hits. So below are some tips on how to tackle the heat:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages should be avoided as they can contribute to dehydration.
- Stay in relaxed, air-conditioned environments as much as possible. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, visit a public library or shopping mall to stay calm.
- Wear loose, cool clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton. Avoid heavy materials such as wool or denim.
- Do wear a hat and use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect yourself from the sun. Seek shade whenever possible.
Conclusion
Heatwaves can be extremely dangerous to human health, and taking the necessary steps to reduce their effects is essential. It is important to stay hydrated & avoid overexposure to intense heat while monitoring vulnerable populations such as young children, elderly individuals, and those with pre-existing conditions for any signs of heat illness. By understanding how a heat wave affects your body and taking the precautions needed to protect yourself from its effects, you can ensure that you remain safe during these hot summer months.
