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Summer safety precautions

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By Rudo Shoko

ZIMBABWE has previously recorded extremely high temperatures over the past years.
Last year, some areas experienced temperatures ranging from 35 to 42 degrees Celsius, breaking records that were set as far as the 1960s.
As we approach summer time, there is a need to watch out for our health through learning summer health tips.
Summer heat can be a menace to our health, causing heat stroke, dehydration and other diseases.
Anyone, at any time, can suffer from heat-related illness and some people are even at a greater risk than others.
According to information gathered by Patriot Health, cancer patients are even at more risk of being affected by summer heat.
Dr Mercy Kumwenda, a medical expert, notes that when undergoing cancer treatment, heat can worsen cancer-related fatigue.
“Most patients with fatigue, despite the cause, will find the symptoms more pronounced, so getting hot can be uncomfortable but getting overheated can be dangerous,” said Dr Kumwenda.
“Hence during the peak of the heat, patients need to learn some summer safety precautions and how treatment is affecting them
“If you are out in very hot weather, you can look out for these signs, red or tingling skin, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness or cramping, increased heart rate and trouble catching your breath.”
Other groups include infants and young children, people aged 65 or older and those who are physically ill, especially with heart-related illness and high blood pressure.
People over the age of 50 are more at risk of a heat stroke but it can hit anyone, especially those who do strenuous outdoor activity for a long period.
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness.
It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature; the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down.
When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.
Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.
Dehydration is another heat-related disease.
If one is undergoing breast cancer treatment, or taking medication as a breast cancer survivor she is at an increased risk of dehydration in extremely hot weather.
Dehydration is a condition that results when the body loses more water than it takes in.
This imbalance disrupts the usual levels of salts and sugars present in the blood, which can interfere with the way the body functions.
Two-thirds of the human body is composed of water, which aids in numerous functions such as lubrication of the joints, eyes, digestion and the flushing out of wastes as well as toxins.
As the water content in the blood begins to decline, the resulting imbalance in the levels of minerals, salts and sugars can cause several harmful effects.
Even during chemotherapy, people should avoid exposure to the sun as the skin may be more susceptible to damage.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are major tips to beat the heat for a cancer patient.
These are:
l Choosing the right fabric: Light fabrics are more comfortable during summer time. If you are going to be out and about, light cotton or linen work well. For exercising in the heat, one should choose breathable athletic clothing that absorbs moisture from the body.
l Drink often: Frequent drinks are a great way to lower the body temperature and stick to cooler, less humid areas.
People should increase fluid intake even when not thirsty so as to replace the fluid lost during exercise.
l Take it easy: Activity raises the body temperature, so take things slow when temperatures spike. Relaxing in a shady chair can slow things down a bit to keep the body temperature in check.
If one finds it hard to drink water more regularly, adding a low sugar hydration supplement will help.
l Avoid alcohol and caffeinated and sugary drinks.
l Eat small meals more often to ensure sufficient energy levels.
l Avoid really cold drinks, they can cause stomach cramps.
l At home, keep air circulating with a fan or air conditioner. Just staying seated in a poorly ventilated or a confined area can lead to a heat-related illness, particularly for women undergoing breast cancer.
l Make sure the body is cool and use wet towels. Dip feet in cool water or take tepid (but not cold to relive the heat).
Practise these summer safety precautions and stay alert to warning signs so that action is taken immediately.

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