LIFESTYLE NEWS - In response to the prediction of very hot weather for the next few weeks and the start of school athletics programmes, the Western Cape Government Health Department issued the following guidelines to help prevent heat stroke and exhaustion:
People are reminded that babies, the elderly and people working or exercising in a hot environment are at particular risk for heat stroke/ exhaustion.
* Stay out of the sun if at all possible, if this is not possible take further precautions;
* Wear a large hat to protect the head from the sun, use an umbrella to add shade;
* Use a small wet towel or cloth under hats or on shoulders to help stay cool;
* Stay hydrated. In the current temperatures, staying hydrated is the most important. Drink as much water as you need;
* Always carry water with you;
* Should you use chronic medication, such as high blood pressure or diabetes medication, remember to drink ample water to avoid additional stress on the kidneys;
* Use the rehydration solutions if you are thirsty if possible, even if you are drinking water. To make your own, mix 1l water, 8 teaspoons sugar and ½ a teaspoon of salt in a clean bottle. This is safe for all ages to drink, and should be used especially by people who work or exercise outdoors, such as children practising athletics and road or farm workers.
* Always ensure that the elderly and infirm have easy access to water.
Tips
Babies* Breastfeed on demand - breast milk is all that babies younger than six months require - you do not need to give your baby water or tea to ‘cool down’ - they only need breast milk;
* Breast feeding moms must remember to drink extra water. Cold rooibos tea also makes a refreshing and healthy drink;
* Take your baby to the clinic at the first sign of diarrhoea and/ or vomiting;
* Keep babies in the shade or indoors;
* Wipe baby down with a clean damp cloth to help keep them cool;
* Do not cover babies in a lot of clothing and blankets. Light clothing is sufficient.
Older children
* Keep babies and children in the shade;* Avoid sports activities if possible. If sport is essential; ensure that there is a lot of water and re-hydration solution available;
* Children must wear hats and sunblock;
* Keep children indoors between 11:00 and 16:00.
Outdoor activity
These tips are for sports people, teachers and/ or coaches and employers of builders, gardeners and others required to work outside:
* Make sure that there is lots of cool, clean water to drink;
* Take regular, short breaks in the shade;
* When taking a break, pour water over your head to help the body cool down.
Heat stroke can be fatal and should be treated as a medical emergency. Heat exhaustion is a less severe condition but can quickly progress to heat stroke if left untreated. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke occur when the body is unable to lower its temperature to normal levels through the skin or by sweating. Dehydration can cause heat stroke because the body is unable to sweat fast enough to dissipate the heat.
* Nausea or vomiting;
* A pale skin colour;
* Tiredness and weakness;
* Headache;
* Muscle cramps and dizziness.
Give the person the oral rehydration solution described above. Do not add too much salt – the mixture should taste like tears. Sports drinks or commercial oral rehydration solution are also effective. If the symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour, seek urgent medical attention.
Children under two years are at high risk of dehydration which can rapidly lead to very dangerous conditions. This is even more dangerous if a child has diarrhoea and/ or vomiting. Use the sugar-salt-solution while you seek medical attention at your nearest clinic or emergency unit.
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