A heatwave is when extremely hot weather in a particular region can last for two (2) or more days.
What should you do during a heatwave…
Drink an adequate amount of water. You will sweat more in hot weather as a mechanism to cool your body off. So, it is essential to keep yourself hydrated. Be sure to carry a water bottle to avoid dehydration.
Keep away from soft drinks and alcohol. These types of drinks worsen dehydration in your body. Soft drinks can exacerbate dehydration and increase the potential of getting kidney injury.
Alcoholic drinks should also be avoided since they can increase urine output, boosting the risk of dehydration.
Wear proper clothing for excessive heat will make a massive difference in how your body feels and how you feel comfortable during the day. Loose-fitting clothing accelerates air circulation, and light-coloured clothing will reflect more light and heat.
Be sure to check in with your mob and Elders to make sure they are OK !!
Heat-related illness can range in severity from mild to life threatening (heat stroke). This most commonly happens in hot environmental conditions, particularly if humidity is high. Most signs and symptoms are related to excess heat and sweat-induced loss of water and electrolytes. Mild symptoms usually respond to rest in a cool environment and rehydration.
Heat exhaustion is a mild to moderate form of heat-related illness. Symptoms include: thirst, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and muscle cramps.
Heat stroke is an uncommon but life-threatening condition that can occur in hot environments with or without strenuous exercise and can occur more often in the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions. The key signs to look out for include lethargy, confusion, drowsiness, difficulty walking, body temperature 40C and higher, hot and dry skin.
For heat exhaustion, find shade in a cool place, drink cool or cold water or sports drink, cool down through evaporation with water spray to the skin, and avoid returning to sport or strenuous activity for 48 hours.
If you think someone may have heat stroke or dehydration or you are unsure and concerned, call 000 immediately for urgent management and transfer to hospital.
Symptoms of dehydration:
• dizziness or light-headedness. • headache. • tiredness. • dry mouth, lips, and eyes. • passing small amounts of urine infrequently (less than three (3) or four (4) times a day)
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