We getting hot, hot, hot

THE BARBADOS-BASED Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF) recently forecasted “… the (Caribbean) region is set to enter an intense Heat Season with recurrent heatwaves.”

The sweltering ambient temperatures are enough to make us wilt.

Introductory facts

● 2023 was the hottest calendar year on record.

● It’s predicted that 2024 will break 2023’s temperature record.

● Heat-related deaths worldwide are up by 56% since 2018.

● The health of those who live in countries with suboptimal healthcare infrastructure, like some Caribbean countries, 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 increases 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 above are most likely to impact the following:

● Brain

● Heart

● Intestines

● Kidneys

● Liver

● Lungs

● Pancreas

● Muscles

Those most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses include:

● Those younger than 4 and older than 65

● Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers

● Overweight individuals

● Persons with major illnesses (e.g. heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes)

● Socio-economically disadvantaged (poor, those living in clustered housing, those with suboptimal resources)

● Persons performing heavy outdoor daytime labour

● Those taking certain medications (e.g. diuretics, benzodiazepines, laxatives, neuroleptics, L.thyroxine).

Other factors that contribute to heat-related illnesses:

● Dehydration – Secondary to strenuous exercise, diarrhoea/ 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 light headedness before collapsing into an unconscious state.

● Heat exhaustion:  The range of symptoms include profuse sweating, muscle cramps, extreme weakness, nausea/ vomiting, light headedness,

headaches, elevated body temperature, increased weak pulse, rapid shallow breathing, and clammy skin.

● Heatstroke: There is no sweating, mentally disoriented, light headedness, headaches, shallow and rapid breathing, hot and dry skin, convulsions, unconsciousness, and markedly elevated body temperature.

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/ 39C

● Pulse is fast or weak

● Nausea/ vomiting

● Diarrhoea

● Severe muscle cramps or spasms

● Dark or very concentrated urine.

 Tips to prevent heat-related illness:

● Drink lots of cool/ cold fluids; preferably water. Avoid drinks that can dehydrate such as alcohol, coffee, tea, other caffeinated beverages, carbonated beverages, and sugary drinks.

● 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 broadbrimmed hats, and gravitate to shaded areas. Use a sun-reflective umbrella.

● 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 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, and the windows must be rolled down (please consider security).

● Take cool showers often.

● Check-in often on elderly friends/ relatives.

● 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 relatively ineffective.

● Consider installing an air-conditioning unit.

● 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 on its citizens:

● Legislate heat-mitigating codes for new buildings. For example – Installation of ceilings; the placement of small air holes above ceilings allows hot air to escape; the placement of doors and windows allows maximum ventilation.

● Remove import duties and VAT from solar-powered AC units, reflective (rooftop) paints, and awnings.

● Paint rooftops of government buildings, especially schools, with sun/ heat-reflective paint, thereby reducing the temperature within and saving on energy costs for air-conditioned buildings.

Author: Dr. C. Malcolm Grant – Family Physician, Family Care Clinic, Arnos Vale.

Former tutor in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados. For appointments: 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.