The average temperatures are much higher around the globe and are only continuing to rise as a consequence of greenhouse gases and other environmental issues. This has resulted in hotter summers all over the world. While this is great news for those who like to spend their time in the sun or at the beach, it is causing a strain on emergency services.
Unfortunately, while the excitement for hotter weather increases, so do the implications for human health. Hotter days can result in exacerbating preexisting conditions, induce new medical problems, and can in some cases, even result in death. One of the biggest consequences of being outside in prolonged heat is the strain on a person's brain and heart because of the stress it puts on the body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cited in a 2020 report that when the temperature spikes, so do the admissions to the hospital for cardiovascular problems. The human body is a hard-working machine, that on a normal day, with a normal amount of heat, can do its job to regulate the blood flow, and shed heat by sweating and pushing blood to the skin. However, excessive heat, or exposure with a preexisting condition, such as diabetes, significantly increases a person's risk.
It can also impact a person's quality of sleep, impair their cognitive function and increase aggressive behavior. This means it should be of the utmost importance to the public.
Emergency services have to attend to more call-outs, including the fire department and police officers. It was reported in 2018 that 65% of the fire departments' callouts were to answer medical response calls, and only 4% of their responses were to attend to fires.
The increased heat is a huge problem around the world, yet many climate change plans do not discuss the strain on the emergency services, how they are impacted, or how they can better equip the emergency services to deal with the increase of problems. While it is vital that the government consider these challenges and how to prepare for them, as an individual, it is also vital that you educate yourself and learn how to look after yourself better, and your family and friends.
Here are some ways that you can protect yourself and others in the heat
Living a healthy lifestyle is important. However, on a hot day, you must take extra precautions.
Before making plans or heading out for the day, you must check the weather forecast. This will help you understand what to expect and adapt your plans where necessary. You may choose to utilize modern technology and find an air-conditioned alternative or a location with fresh water and shaded areas. It will also inform you of the items you should take with you, for example, lots of water, light-colored and breathable clothing, and more.
It is important that you learn about the negative impacts of the heat, and what it can do to you and your body. If you are a medical professional, you may even wish to undertake a BLS certification, which will teach you life-saving techniques and show you how to use the latest technology in case of an emergency. This will help increase the chances of survival in the unfortunate event of an emergency.
One of the most important aspects of heat you should learn about is how to stay safe in the heat, and how to understand symptoms that you should be concerned about. This knowledge will help you make more appropriate decisions when going out in the heat. It will also help you identify if someone is not feeling well, and you can attend to them efficiently. Information is important, and may just save a life.
You should always try to stay cool. There are many ways that you can do this, for example, you can avoid the sun at peak times of the day when it is at its hottest, which is typically between 11 am to 2 pm to keep your exposure limited. You should also dress appropriately, by wearing breathable, loose, light-colored clothing that covers your skin and keeps it protected. You can opt for sun-protective clothing that utilises recent healthcare technology and is designed to keep you cool and protect you from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Hats and sunglasses are a great addition to your ensemble to provide you with extra protection. Drink lots of water and get yourself some frozen goodies such as popsicles. This will help your body regulate itself and keep you cooler.
Sweating is your body's way of cooling itself down, so make sure you allow yourself to sweat.
Hydration is key to keeping your body safe in general, let alone in the heat. When you are exposed to the sun for long periods, you are putting yourself at risk of dehydration, especially if you are participating in activities such as walking, running, exercising, or something similar. Dehydration is dangerous because it can lead to unpleasant conditions such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
You will likely be sweating a lot when you are hot, which means you will be losing fluid and getting dehydrated. This is why hydration should be at the top of your priority list. Make sure you stay hydrated by constantly sipping water throughout the day (rather than waiting until you are thirsty) and avoid drinks such as coffee and alcohol, as these can dehydrate you.
You can also eat a variety of food to add to your hydration, such as certain fruit and vegetables. This is because they are high in water content, easy to digest, and keep you feeling light. In addition to lots of water, you can also include strawberries, watermelon, oranges, tomatoes, cucumber coconut water, and soups filled with vegetables. They will also be filled with vital nutrients and minerals that will help you retain water, and boost your energy.
You should always wear protective clothing and cover-up where necessary. You should also make sure you have a trustworthy sun cream that you have sourced from a reputable brand. There are a variety of sun creams that you can purchase in your local store, and finding the right one can be challenging. Suncream is something that you should wear all year round, to protect you from the harmful rays of the sun. It is even more important when it comes to summer, as the sun is out for longer and is even stronger. When choosing the right sunscreen, it is important to check the label before you make any purchases. The best sun creams will be made with the latest technology to protect you against UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays are important, as these are the rays that can cause skin cancers and sunburn. UVA rays are just as important, as when you are exposed to them, you are at a high risk of premature aging and skin cancers. You should also check the SPF rating of your suncream. Many choose the lowest as they are interested in getting a tan. However, you will need to choose an SPF of 30 or higher if you want to protect yourself.
When applying suncream, make sure you cover all areas that are exposed to the skin, including your scalp and your ears. You may also opt for a lip balm with the same level of protection. You should regularly re-apply your sunscreen. Even if it says water-resistant, it will still need topping up after being in the water or even sweating.
The rising temperatures around the world are increasing the risk of medical conditions while putting a strain on emergency services. Make sure you play a positive role and protect yourself, by following these top tips.
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