Safeguarding Our Health In This Extreme Heat

The Barbados-based Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) is forecasting that the months of August, September, and October 2023 are going to be hotter than usual for the Guianas and the Lesser Antilles.

Introductory facts on global warming

For 2023, extreme heat events have become more severe and increasingly commonplace across the world
There is a 90% chance that 2023 will rank among the top 5 hottest years on record
Heat-related deaths worldwide are up by 56% since 2018.
The health of those who live in countries with a suboptimal healthcare infrastructure is more likely to be negatively impacted by global warming.
Heat stroke kills 80+% of its victims.
Heat-related illnesses are preventable.
Certain groups are more vulnerable to extreme heat, however, no one is immune.
Global warming increases the risk of developing a mental disorder
The incidence of violent crimes and suicides increase when the environmental temperatures rise
The WHO notes that global warming is the number one existential health crisis facing humanity.

How Heat Kills

When the ambient temperature is very high it becomes difficult for the body’s natural cooling mechanisms (e.g. sweating) to cool the body. This can result in the body overheating, leading to:

A reduction in tissue oxygen
Toxins accumulating within the cells (cytotoxins)
Inflamed tissues
Clotting in the blood vessels throughout the body
Breakdown of muscle cells (rhabdomyolysis)

The aforementioned are most likely to impact the following organs:

Brain
Heart
Intestines
Kidneys
Liver
Lungs
Pancreas

Those most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses include:

Those younger than 4 and older than 65
Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers
Overweight
Persons with major illnesses (e.g. heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes)
Socioeconomically disadvantaged (poor, clustered housing, suboptimal resources)
Persons performing heavy outdoor daytime labour
Those taking certain medications (e.g. diuretics, benzodiazepines, laxatives, neuroleptics, L.thyroxine)

Other factors that xontribute to heat-related iàllnesses

Dehydration – Secondary to strenuous exercise, diarrhea/ vomiting, excess alcohol consumption, medications, suboptimal intake of water
Poor ventilation/ airflow
Protracted sun exposure between 10:00 a.m and 3:00 p.m
Events with large crowds
Drugs e.g. ecstasy and speed

Types of heat-related illnesses and associated symptoms

Heat rash: Itchy/ prickly rash covering a large area. Looks like a fine rash, pimples, or small water blisters. Mostly neck, trunk, groin, and elbow creases.
Heat cramps/ spasms: Can affect any muscle group, mostly reported in the abdomen, and upper and lower limbs.
Heat syncope (fainting): May initially experience dizziness and lightheadedness before collapsing into an unconscious state.
Heat exhaustion – The range of symptoms includes profuse sweating, muscle cramps, extreme weakness, nausea/ vomiting, lightheadedness, headaches, elevated body temperature, increased weak pulse, rapid shallow breathing, and clammy skin.
Heatstroke: There is no sweating, mentally disoriented, lightheadedness, headaches, shallow and rapid breathing, hot and dry skin, convulsions, unconsciousness, and markedly elevated body temperature.

Tips to prevent heat-related illness

Drink lots of fluids, especially on hot days. Preferably water. Avoid drinks that can dehydrate such as alcohol, coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages.
Minimize exposure to heat. Stay indoors or in the shade.
When outdoors protect yourself – cover exposed skin with light-coloured cotton wear, keep your head covered with broad-brimmed hats, and gravitate to shaded areas. Use sun-reflective umbrellas, especially for the elderly or young children outdoors.
Outdoor exercise and activities should be scheduled to avoid the hotter times of the day between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Educate your children on how important it is to consume lots of fluids.
Never leave children or older folks in cars, unless it’s for a very short period of time and the windows must be rolled down (please consider security).
Take showers often
Opt for cool drinks vs hot
Check-in on elderly friends/ relatives often
Learn basic first aid
Consider placing awnings over windows that are struck by the morning and afternoon sun.
Aim for an indoor temperature of 32C or less. Fans help, however, if the temperature is above 35C they are not very effective.
Consider installing an air-conditioning unit if possible.
Hanging indoor towels soaked in cool water helps to reduce the temperature of a room.

Government’s role in mitigating the health impact of global warming

Legislate heat-mitigating building codes regarding all new buildings:

Installing ceilings
• Placement of small air holes above ceilings to allow hot air to escape
• Placement of doors and windows to allow maximum ventilation
• Other

Remove import duties from solar-powered AC units, reflective (rooftop) paints, and awnings.
Paint rooftops of government buildings, especially schools, with sun-reflective paint.

Persons should seek immediate medical help if:

There is fainting, agitation, confusion
Unable to consume fluids
Not sweating
Dry or clammy skin
Their temperature is 102.2F or 39C or higher
Pulse is fast or weak
Nausea/ vomiting
Diarrhea
Severe muscle cramps or spasms
Dark or very concentrated urine

Author: Dr. C. Malcolm Grant – Family Physician, c/o Family Care Clinic, Arnos Vale.
For appointments: clinic@familycaresvg.com, 1(784)570-9300 (Office), 1(784)455-0376 (WhatsApp)
Disclaimer: The information provided in the above article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Dr. C. Malcolm Grant, Family Care Clinic or The Searchlight Newspaper or their associates, respectively, are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information provided above.