The office of the Chief Medical Officer has issued a heat health advisory following days of extreme high temperatures in the Federation.
The Meteorological Office at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport recorded temperatures of 31.6°C on 5th April, 31.8°C on 6th April and 31.4°C on 7th April, 2024 prompting the warning.
This trend is expected to last throughout this week.
“The recent surge in temperatures presents a significant risk to public health, particularly for the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions,” said Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hazel Laws on Monday.
“It is crucial that we all take these warnings seriously and follow the recommended precautions to ensure our safety and the safety of our communities during this period of excessive heat.”
The recommendations include:
Staying Indoors: Limit outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible, especially between the hours of 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, when the sun’s rays are most intense.
Wearing Protective Gear: If you must be outside, ensure you wear a hat, use appropriate sunscreen, and dress in light, breathable clothing to protect your skin from the sun.
Staying Hydrated: Increase your intake of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can lead to dehydration.
Caring for Vulnerable Individuals: Those providing care to older adults should ensure their environments are well ventilated and cool, both during the day and at night. Monitor them closely for signs of heat-related illnesses.
Symptoms of heat related illness include:
Dizziness
Confusion
Thirst
Heavy sweating
Nausea
Weakness
Immediate medical help should be sought if a person shows signs of confusion or dizziness or becomes unconscious as they may be suffering from heat stroke which can be fatal. Until medical help arrives, move the person to a cool place, loosen their clothing and use water or ice to help cool their body.
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