According to the Global Climate Risk Index published by non-profit group German watch, Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable nations in the world when it comes to the effects of climate change over the past two decades. Between 2000 and 2019, the Germany-based organisation ranked Pakistan as the 8th most affected country. During this period, the sub-continent nation lost on average 500 lives annually as a result or 10,000 over the course of the whole period. ‘Torrid’ heatwave with temperatures reaching mid-40°s Celsius has renewed debate over the climate change crisis in
Here are Few Tips you protect yourself from extreme heatwave this summer:
- Stay Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water or cool liquids even before you feel thirsty but choose water over sugary drinks. We sweat a lot in summers which is hard on our bodies and can lead to dehydration. Eat more fruits and vegetables as they have high water content. Alcohol, coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks can hurt more than help.
- Avoid Peak Hours:
Try to avoid going at during afternoon when the sun is blazing hot fire. During this hottest part of the day (12 noon-4 pm) make sure to stay indoors to limit direct exposure in the blazing hot sun. Keep away from exhausting activities like outdoor games and work out etc during this period. Wear a hat and carry an umbrella to keep the hot sun off your head. If you’re out and about, spend the hottest parts of the day in the shade if possible.
- Wear loose clothes:
Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made of breathable fabric instead of tight fitted cloths. Dress kids in minimal, single layers that allow plenty of room for them to sweat. Lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing helps protect against heat. Change clothing if it gets completely saturated.
- Personal Care of skin and body:
Take cool showers or baths until you feel refreshed. Extreme summers are the worst time for any type of skin. Using minimal makeup and beauty products is advisable to keep the skin clean and healthy. Also, it is a good idea to keep the creams and other products like lipsticks in the refrigerator so that they don’t get spoiled and give a cool sensation when applied. Also, always wear good SPF sunscreen, even when indoors and wear shades to avoid eye infections due to sun.
- Avoid Greasy Food:
Enjoying an enormous, slick, calorie-rich eating routine ought to be kept away from in summers. It can increase metabolic intensity and warm the body, increasing its temperature Try some cold brew shakes to fetch the protein that the body needs to keep overheating. Also, consume fruits with high water content.
- Special Care of Kids:
NEVER leave kids unattended in a vehicle. Extreme heat can overtake a child in minutes and this goes for pets, too. When it is very hot then several times in a day, wipe down kids’ faces, arms and legs with a damp cloth, then let the water evaporate; it will cool the skin as it does. Put out a “splash” pool or bucket so kids can spray their faces and bodies with cool water whenever they need to. Make sure your kids carry water bottles with them, probably more than one if going outside.
- Look out for Heat Stroke:
Heat from the sun can also cause heat stroke, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. Heatstroke is the condition when the body is exposed to high temperature for long period and gets overheated. It can often cause exertion in the body. This condition occurs in summer season. Another common problem is temperature change. Nowadays a person is spending half the time in AC and rest in the extreme heat as soon as they steps out. Under such circumstances, body cannot maintain balance between the temperatures.
Read Also: Major Healthcare Problems in Pakistan, What to Do?
Early Sign of Heatstroke
- Dizziness
- Low or High Blood Pressure
- Dry skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unconsciousness
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid Heart rate
