Proactively prevent diseases in hot weather

Prolonged hot weather creates favorable conditions for disease to develop, easily affecting health. Medical staff recommend that people should proactively apply measures to protect their bodies when exposed to high temperatures, limiting the risk of dizziness, heat shock or stroke...

Da Nang residents cover up and go out in the scorching heat. Photo: KHÁNH NGÂN

Manage to avoid the heat

In recent days, the city has continuously recorded severe heat, with temperatures reaching nearly 39 degrees Celsius at times, causing significant impacts on people's health, especially those working directly outdoors.

In many cramped dormitories without air conditioning or ventilation, students and workers have to find ways to avoid the heat, even limiting their time in their rooms during the day.

People who have to go out in hot weather are all covered from head to toe with sunscreen, masks, and sunglasses to reduce the effects of the heat on their bodies.

To avoid the heat, many people choose to go to air-conditioned cafes at noon to rest or work.

Student Le Minh Trang, University of Foreign Languages (University of Danang) shared: “My room is quite small so it is very stuffy during the day. After class, I often bring food to an air-conditioned cafe to study until late afternoon.”

Similarly, Nguyen Van Long (Hai Chau ward), a technology delivery driver, said: “My job requires me to move continuously under the sun. I can’t rest at home at noon because it’s too hot, so I often have to stop by a cool drink shop to rest until it’s time to go to work.”

Although there have been many recommendations to limit direct exposure to sunlight for long periods of time to prevent heat stroke and heatstroke, many people still have to continue working to make a living in hot weather.

Mr. Tran Van Hung (61 years old), who works as a security guard and parking attendant at a coffee shop in An Hai ward, said: “I work from morning to night, standing outside for more than 8 hours every day to guide customers and park their vehicles. On hot sunny days, the sweltering heat rising from the road makes me exhausted, my shirt soaked in sweat. But I can’t quit my job, so when I feel too tired, I take a few minutes to rest and then continue.”

Need to pay attention to health care

During the hot season, the number of patients hospitalized due to related diseases tends to increase significantly.

Many people choose cafes with fans and air conditioning to avoid the midday sun. PHOTO: KHÁNH NGÂN

According to records at some medical facilities, the number of people coming for examination and treatment increased by 20-30% compared to normal times. Notably, the number of severe cases also increased, many cases had to be hospitalized and needed intensive care.

A representative of the Son Tra Regional Medical Center said that in order to proactively respond to the prolonged heat, the unit flexibly coordinates human resources at crowded medical examination departments during peak hours, helping to reduce waiting time for patients.

Inpatient departments, air conditioning, fans and drinking water are fully equipped to ensure patients are cared for in comfortable and safe conditions during inclement weather.

At Da Nang Hospital, many solutions have been implemented to minimize the impact of heat on patients and their families.

Accordingly, arrange ventilation systems and cooling equipment in waiting areas; ensure that examination rooms and inpatient treatment rooms are always airy and clean.

The hospital also promotes online medical examination and treatment registration and uses automatic registration machines, shortening waiting times in harsh weather conditions.

In addition, install many hot and cold water fountains in convenient areas to serve patients and their families.

Doctor Pham Ngoc Thang, Department of Examination, Da Nang Hospital recommends that in the conditions of prolonged hot weather, people need to pay attention to drinking enough water every day, supplementing with ORS when sweating a lot; limit going out from 10am to 4pm.

When traveling, wear a hat, wear sunscreen and cover yourself carefully; maintain personal hygiene, eat hygienically and use air conditioning properly; for children, they need to be fully vaccinated, especially against common diseases such as dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, etc.

For people with underlying diseases (cardiovascular, blood pressure, diabetes), it is necessary to monitor health regularly, take medication as prescribed and limit strenuous exercise in the sun.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/chu-dong-phong-benh-mua-nang-nong-3298712.html