Excessive heat can cause significant discomfort to the human body, potentially leading to severe health issues or even death.
To protect public health during the hot season, the Department of Medical Environmental Management has collaborated with relevant units to develop a document titled “Guidelines for Health Care During Hot Weather for the Community and Workers.” This resource aims to equip the public with basic knowledge to proactively identify and implement measures to address and prevent common health issues associated with high temperatures.
According to the Department of Medical Environmental Management, during hot weather, workers may face several common health problems such as: heat exhaustion, heatstroke, or heat-related illnesses. The primary cause is prolonged exposure to hot environments, high temperatures, or sudden temperature changes.
Individuals working or exercising intensely outdoors for extended periods in hot environments are at high risk of heat-related illnesses. (Illustrative photo: Internet).
High-risk groups include: the elderly, young children, pregnant women; those engaged in intense outdoor work or exercise for long periods, such as agricultural workers, factory workers in brick kilns, and steel mills; and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and diabetes.
Signs of Health Issues in Hot Weather
The symptoms of health issues experienced during hot weather depend on the duration of exposure to heat and the extent of body temperature increase.
- Minor symptoms: fatigue, thirst, dizziness, lightheadedness, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, palpitations, muscle cramps.
- Severe symptoms: intense headache, gradually increasing difficulty breathing, nausea or vomiting, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, seizures, fainting or coma, cardiovascular collapse (rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, etc.), and potentially death.
Fatigue, thirst, dizziness, lightheadedness… are symptoms of prolonged outdoor work in the sun. (Photo: Internet).
Emergency Response Measures:
When experiencing health issues due to heat exposure, appropriate emergency measures should be taken based on the severity of the symptoms:
Minor symptoms:
- Immediately move the victim to a cool, well-ventilated area.
- Loosen or remove some of the victim’s clothing. Then, wipe the victim’s body with a cool cloth or pour cool water over them and then dry them off. Apply cool, wet cloths or ice packs to areas such as the armpits, groin, and neck to help rapidly reduce body temperature.
- If the victim is able to drink, provide small sips of cool water. It is best to offer water with added salt and minerals, such as properly diluted Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS).
- If the victim suffers from cramps, gently massage the affected muscles.
- Do not allow too many people to crowd around the victim. Symptoms should start to diminish after about 10 to 15 minutes.
Severe symptoms:
If the victim exhibits severe symptoms, immediately call emergency services at 115 or quickly transport the victim to the nearest healthcare facility. During transport, regularly apply cool compresses to the victim.
How to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses?
In hot weather, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Drink water in small amounts throughout the day rather than consuming large quantities at once. (Illustrative photo: Internet).
- Experts recommend that the public and workers limit outdoor exposure during hot days, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Individuals in air-conditioned environments should avoid sudden exposure to outdoor heat and should gradually acclimatize by increasing the air conditioning temperature or resting in the shade before going outside.
- Wear light-colored, breathable clothing that wicks away sweat.
- Increase the intake of green vegetables and fruits and include soup in daily meals. It is crucial to stay hydrated by drinking water in small amounts throughout the day rather than all at once.
- Engage in physical exercise to boost resilience and tolerance to hot weather conditions.
- When going outdoors, wear masks and protective clothing (such as sun-protective dresses, long-sleeve jackets, gloves, and socks) of appropriate thickness. Choose breathable fabrics that allow sweat absorption while protecting the skin from ultraviolet rays and not obstructing vitamin D absorption from sunlight.
Advice for Those Working in Hot Weather
Experts advise that individuals working in hot weather should schedule their tasks during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. Limit the time spent working in high-temperature environments. If working in such conditions is necessary, avoid prolonged exposure to heat and strenuous physical activities. Take regular breaks of 15 to 20 minutes in a cool area after every 45 minutes to 1 hour of work.
- Minimize sun exposure on the body, especially the shoulders and neck. Use appropriate personal protective equipment when working outdoors in the sun, such as work uniforms, hats, and sunglasses. Wear loose, breathable clothing that wicks away sweat. Sunscreen can also be applied.
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages. Ensure regular hydration throughout work hours, especially with drinks containing added salt and minerals like ORS for those who sweat significantly during work.
- Implement measures to cool the workplace, such as using shade, reflective materials, insulation, misting systems, air conditioning, and ventilation fans.
- Maintain a balanced diet: Ensure adequate nutrition and vitamins to keep the body healthy and enhance immunity. Include complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and whole wheat bread, while avoiding simple sugars from sodas and candies. Consume adequate amounts of fish, meat, eggs, vegetables, and fruits to provide necessary fats, vitamins, and minerals.
