Summer Health Tips
It’s the second month of summer in Australia where temperatures can reach a sweltering 40 degrees! Although most of the undergraduate Malaysian students are still in the midst of their summer holiday at home (including yours truly!), there are some who are already back in Australia for their new semester; and some who have willingly remained Down Under to experience the Australian summer at its peak.
On average during summer, the temperature in the Eastern states of Australia (Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales) and the southern part of Western Australia ranges from 30-40 degrees. Whereas up north in the Northern Territory, temperatures can soar up to 50 degrees Celsius! Combined with very little rainfall and gusty winds, such hot and dry conditions can cause bushfires to occur in the fire-prone areas. For us, it could also spell heat stress and heat-related illnesses if preventative measures are not taken.
Generally, heat-related illnesses (e.g. Heat rash, heat cramps, heat stroke) can affect anyone. However, there are some people who are most at risk such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those suffering from chronic illnesses. Normally our body cools itself during a hot weather through the sweating mechanism. However in an extreme condition, being drenched in sweat is not enough to cool us down. In fact, our body temperature may continue to rise.
So, during this hot weather, do your body a favour. Here are some tips for preventing heat-related illnesses (adapted from BetterHealth Victoria and CDC USA):
- Keep yourself hydrated! Drink more fluids whether you are indoors or outdoors. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
- Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks as they cause your body to lose more fluid.
- Bring a water bottle with you wherever you go.
- Stay indoors or in an air-conditioned place. (Time to check out the local libraries… Or shopping malls if you must. J)
- Plan your journey if you need to travel. Check the weather forecast and warnings issued by the local government. Try to limit outdoor activities to morning and evening hours when it’s cooler.
- Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
- Take a cool shower or bath.
- Avoid vigorous physical activity in hot weather
- Remember to protect yourself from the sun during outdoor activities. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and use sunscreen. Cover yourself with adequate clothing. Try to be in the shade as much as possible.
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle. The temperature inside a car can reach 40 degrees in minutes when exposed to high heat.
Learn more:
- http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.asp
- http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
- http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/weather
by:
Nurul ‘Izzah Che Jusoh
5th Year MBBS
Monash University
kat malaysia ni pun mcm summer aussie, panas nyer bahang sgt. ada insiden meja kaca meletup kat umah kawan sbb cuaca terlalu panas, mujur xde yg cedera.
ada doa yg kt leh amalkan utk stay cool mase cuaca panas2 camni: [21:69] We (Allah) said: “O fire! be you coolness and safety for Ibrahim!”
qul na ya na ru ku ni bardan wa salaaman ‘ala ya na (‘untukku’ instead of ‘utk ibrahim’) lebih elok mulut kt berdoa pada Allah berbanding hanya bercakap ‘panasnye! panasnye!’ tgk bacaan dlm arab ye =)
wallahu a’lam