HEALTH

HEAT STRESS

The climate of Nigeria has two distinct seasons; The raining season which last from March to September and is interrupted briefly in August only in the south, and The dry season occurs in the remaining months of the year, usually more prolonged in the north compared to other regions.

There is a rise in heat stress during the dry season, it happens when one is exposed to extreme heat and the body is unable to cool itself to maintain a healthy temperature. There are different degrees of heat stress which include; heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, heat cramp and heat rash, and each vary in its causes and symptoms.

While heat stroke occurs when the body temperature rises to 39.4 degrees Celsius or higher, and the body cannot cool itself. This situation is usually characterized by severe headache, hot skin due to dehydration and if not properly handled, heat stroke can lead to permanent damage of the brain and other vital organs.

Heat exhaustion on the other hand occurs due to a slight rise in body temperature as a result of extreme loss of water and salt, usually through sweating. There is tiredness, paleness, muscle cramps, shallow breathing.

 Heat syncope is caused by dehydration or being in a hot climate you are not used to or standing for a long time and it manifest by loss of consciousness, fainting or light-headedness. It is better to sit or lie down when symptoms show up.

Heat cramp occurs due to extreme sweating which will cause loss of water and electrolyte and finally result in cramps in the legs or arm and the abdomen.

There are ways you can prevent and handle heat stress occurrence especially during this period where the weather seems to be always hot during the day, they are:

• Wearing loose clothing and natural fabrics instead of synthetics.
• Avoiding dark colored clothing which absorb heat.
• Avoiding exercising or working outside during peak hours (10am-4pm)..
• Turning off light bulbs when not in use especially during the day. 
• Taking cold water bottles with you and sit closer to a window while in a classroom.
• Do not leave a fan on in an enclosed room when no one is present, as it doesn't cool the air but rather heats it.

These are just few of the things we can do in this period to ease heat stress. I hope you find them out and follow them strictly.