Protecting yourself from extreme heat, By Sylvester Ojenagbon

It’s due to this fact vital that you simply keep indoors, the place attainable, through the hottest elements of the day, which is often between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. That is when the solar’s depth is at its peak. In the event you should be exterior, take frequent covers in a shaded or cool space, and keep away from strenuous bodily exercise as a lot as you possibly can.

Final week, the Nigerian Meteorological Company (NiMet) predicted a chronic heatwave throughout the nation. The company, in its climate outlook, hinted that most temperature stories throughout the nation have been largely between 38 – 40℃. It acknowledged that air temperatures have been anticipated to remain inside this band and rise barely in some places.

For a lot of who’ve been questioning if the door of hell has been instantly unsealed and turned within the route of Nigeria, that is trigger for concern. Relatively than convey succour, the downpour in some elements of the nation after that prediction appears to have exacerbated the already scary state of affairs.  

Now, excessive warmth is usually related to heatwaves. In Nigeria, it’s thought-about to be temperatures exceeding 38°C. The precise threshold might nonetheless fluctuate relying on the local weather of the realm. Excessive warmth will also be described by way of the warmth index, which mixes temperature and humidity to find out how scorching it really feels to the human physique.

Amongst others, research have proven that sure current heatwaves would have been virtually unattainable with out human-induced local weather change. Bushes and vegetation naturally assist cool the surroundings by way of a course of referred to as transpiration. Sadly, deforestation has been the order of the day in lots of elements of the nation. This, coupled with burning of fossil fuels, has considerably elevated greenhouse gasoline concentrations within the ambiance. This traps warmth and raises common temperatures, thus making excessive warmth occasions extra frequent and intense. Local weather change doesn’t solely elevate baseline temperatures, it additionally amplifies pure temperature inconsistency.  

As well as, city areas have a tendency to soak up and retain extra warmth on account of intensive concrete and asphalt surfaces, insufficient vegetation, and excessive inhabitants density. City warmth islands could cause temperature will increase, particularly at evening, when warmth is trapped within the constructed surroundings.

Past human elements, a local weather phenomenon generally known as El Niño results in warmer-than-usual sea floor temperatures within the Pacific Ocean. This impacts international climate patterns and contributes to extra intense warmth in sure areas. La Niña, alternatively, usually results in cooler circumstances. Nevertheless, it could possibly generally end in irregular warming in particular areas, thus contributing to heatwaves.

Excessive temperatures can equally worsen respiratory issues, notably in people with pre-existing circumstances like bronchial asthma or power obstructive pulmonary illness (COPD). Warmth-related stress also can result in elevated lung harm and respiratory misery on account of greater ranges of air air pollution throughout heatwaves.

These and different elements often work together with and amplify each other, and result in excessive warmth conditions that may have critical penalties for human well being. Sadly, susceptible populations just like the aged, younger kids, or individuals with pre-existing well being circumstances are sometimes probably the most affected.

The reality is that extended publicity to excessive temperatures can result in warmth exhaustion. That is characterised by signs akin to dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, and fatigue. If not shortly addressed, this could progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening situation the place physique temperature exceeds 40°C and result in organ failure and potential demise.

Excessive warmth additionally will increase coronary heart fee and blood strain because the physique works tougher to chill itself. This pressure can worsen current cardiovascular circumstances, rising the danger of coronary heart assaults and strokes.

Excessive temperatures can equally worsen respiratory issues, notably in people with pre-existing circumstances like bronchial asthma or power obstructive pulmonary illness (COPD). Warmth-related stress also can result in elevated lung harm and respiratory misery on account of greater ranges of air air pollution throughout heatwaves.

The dehydration attributable to extreme warmth can result in acute kidney damage. It’s because the kidneys are strained as they try to handle fluid stability. This may end up in long-term harm if dehydration is extreme.

You also needs to be conscious of the garments you put on in instances of maximum warmth. Light-weight, loose-fitting garments product of pure materials like cotton can assist your physique keep cool. And it’s higher to keep away from darkish colors, as they will soak up extra warmth. You might think about carrying a wide-brimmed hat to guard your face and neck from the solar.

Excessive warmth also can impair cognitive operate, resulting in confusion and disorientation. It could equally improve the danger of psychological well being points, impairing judgment and bodily efficiency, thus elevating the probability of accidents and accidents.

It’s due to this fact vital that you simply keep indoors, the place attainable, through the hottest elements of the day, which is often between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. That is when the solar’s depth is at its peak. In the event you should be exterior, take frequent covers in a shaded or cool space, and keep away from strenuous bodily exercise as a lot as you possibly can.

It’s also vital that you simply drink loads of water all through the day, even when you don’t really feel thirsty, and keep away from alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, as they will dehydrate you. It’s also pertinent to eat meals with excessive water content material, like vegetables and fruit, particularly watermelon and cucumbers, to assist preserve your self hydrated.  

You also needs to be conscious of the garments you put on in instances of maximum warmth. Light-weight, loose-fitting garments product of pure materials like cotton can assist your physique keep cool. And it’s higher to keep away from darkish colors, as they will soak up extra warmth. You might think about carrying a wide-brimmed hat to guard your face and neck from the solar.

Wherever you’re, shortly transfer to a cooler place, drink water, and relaxation when you begin experiencing heavy sweating, weak point, dizziness, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps. It turns into a medical emergency the second you begin experiencing scorching and dry pores and skin, excessive physique temperature above 39.4°C, speedy pulse, confusion, and unconsciousness. At that time, you’re on the tipping level and so want to hunt instant medical assist.

Sylvester Ojenagbon, a well being communication skilled, lives in Lagos.