Botswana has of late been
experiencing high temperatures
with day time temperatures reaching
the ranges of 36 - 40
degrees centigrade. This poses
an increased health risk and may impact differently on the health
of individuals as exposure to such temperatures may lead to heat
cramps, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and severe
sunburns and complications of chronic diseases such as
Hypertension, Asthma, other
respiratory illness etc.
The university
community is therefore
advised to protect
themselves against these
high temperatures as follows:-
·
Drink Plenty of Fluids - Increase your fluid intake regardless of
your activity level. During hot weather, you
will need to drink more liquid than
your thirst indicates. Avoid drinks containing alcohol and
try to
limit consumption of caffeinated beverages as they cause you
to lose more fluid.
·
Replace Salt and Minerals
- Heavy sweating
removes salt and minerals from the
body, which are necessary for your body. The best way to
replace salt and minerals
is to drink fruit
juice or a sports beverage.
·
Wear Appropriate Clothing
and Sunscreen - Wear as little
clothing as possible when
you are at home. If you must
go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed
hat,
umbrella along with
sunglasses, and put on sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
·
Slow down. Reduce or cancel
strenuous, outdoor activities
or reschedule them for the coolest
times of the day.
·
Take frequent
breaks if working outdoors
·
Adjust to the Environment - Be aware that
any sudden change in
temperature, such as an early heat wave, will
be stressful to your body.
·
NEVER
leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles
This Health Tip is brought to you
by the Health and Wellness Centre.
Contacts:
Block 139 (Student Centre) 2nd Floor or Tel: 355 4616; 355 5054
Healthandwellness@mopipi.ub.bw
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