By Dr. Amir Mohammad
Your Health
Dr. Amir Mohammad
This has been an interesting summer so far as I listen to the national and global reports as well as medical advisories to prevent heat related illness. We are experiencing some record-breaking heat not just in the US but throughout various parts of the world, especially in Europe. We will be seeing more and more of these extreme weather swings in winter and summer.
According to the World Health Organization, “Population exposure to heat is increasing due to climate change, and this trend will continue. Globally, extreme temperature events are observed to be increasing in their frequency, duration and magnitude. In 2015 alone, 175 million additional people were exposed to heat waves compared to average years.”
There are both direct and indirect impacts from excessive heat. Some of the direct effects include dehydration, heat cramps and heat stroke. Excessive heat can also exacerbate respiratory, cardiovascular, kidney, psychiatric and other chronic diseases. If you are taking medications for high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney diseases or psychiatric illnesses, then you should avoid prolonged exposure to heat and hydrate adequately.
In terms of indirect impact, there can be increased risk of accidents like work-related injuries, disruption of infrastructure (power, water, transport) and increased transmission of food and waterborne diseases.
Avoid going outside during the hottest time of the day, drink plenty of water or fluids (more than what you usually take in), keep your home cool, do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles, check on family, friends and neighbors and help others who have underlying health conditions. Don’t wait to consult your doctor or health care provider if you feel unwell and are experiencing unusual symptoms.
The current situation is not a coincidence; our public health and environmental science researchers have been warning us for years so we can take appropriate actions both individually and collectively. We need to protect ourselves and future generation by taking responsible actions. We are blessed; however, we must be responsible in our actions and avoid waste of water, food and other finite resources. More than half of the world doesn’t have access to clean potable water or food. We must ensure that our state and national policymakers are enacting rules and regulations to tackle this global warming issue.
Be well and stay safe.
Dr. Amir Mohammad is the director of public health for the town of Orange.