How to handle heat

2007-02-22 11:09

Cape Town - Considering the heatwave plaguing parts of the country, emergency services have issues the following health tips:

Older people and the extremely young are less able to compensate for excessive ambient temperatures and therefore it is advised that they stay in the shade and preferably in a cooler, climate controlled, environment.

If you are going to be out in the heat, it is imperative that you wear the correct clothing to assist you. Loose breathable cotton, a hat and sunglasses with UV filters are advised.

If you are out in the direct sunlight, please wear appropriate sunscreen and reapply this regularly, especially after swimming.

It is imperative that you drink lots of water. Listen to your thirst. Drink water, soft drinks and beer do not replace fluid loss like water does, and some may event make you more thirsty. Failure to drink at least 2 litres of water a day in this heat will most likely lead to a degree of dehydration.

If you are unfortunate enough to get severely sunburnt, consult with a medical professional immediately. Do not rub butter or other creams, toothpaste or powders onto your burns. This seals in the heat and makes the burn worse.

The old wives tale of having a hot bath is hogwash. You do not add heat to a burn because the burn gets worse. Bath/ shower in a cool temperature that you are comfortable with.

In severe burns, it may be necessary to administer anti-histamines and antibiotics as infection can set in after the inflammatory response.

On hot days like this, it is important to decrease your strenuous or physical activity and keep it to a minimum. - ER24 EMS

- News24