Stay safe as the weather heats up and health risks increase

Stay safe as the weather heats up and health risks increase (Photo: iStock)

Temperatures have been soaring over the past several weeks, and as the heat builds up, the risks to public health increase significantly. It is no surprise, therefore, that the Meteorological Department recently issued a heatwave advisory. Excessive heat can affect anyone, but certain groups, such as older adults, children, outdoor workers and people with chronic illnesses, as high temperatures place additional strain on vital organs such as the heart and lungs. Understanding the dangers and adopting effective preventive measures is essential for everyone.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, characterised by heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and headaches. If not addressed promptly, this can progress to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition in which the body’s temperature regulation fails, leading to confusion, loss of consciousness, organ damage and can even be fatal.