Hong Kong – DH advises public to take safety measures versus heat-related health problems throughout really heat

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 24) advised members of the general public to take suitable safety measures versus heat-related health problems, such as heat cramps, heat fatigue and heat stroke throughout extremely heat.

In a high-temperature environment, extreme sweating and trouble in heat dissipation can trigger tension to the body. Members of the general public ought to take the following safety measures:

• Hydrate in a prompt way to avoid dehydration;
• Use light-coloured, loose-fitting and breathable clothes to reduce heat absorption and help with sweating and heat dissipation;
• Keep the space well aerated, e.g. by opening windows;
• Prevent difficult workout and extended activities such as treking or travelling;
• Set up outside activities in the early morning or the late afternoon, if possible, and bring sufficient water; and
• Prevent drinks consisting of caffeine, such as coffee and tea, along with liquors, which might accelerate water loss through the urinary system.

In addition, babies and kids, the senior, pregnant ladies, people with persistent diseases such as heart problem or hypertension, outdoor/manual employees, and obese individuals are more vulnerable to heat stroke. These groups need to pay unique attention to the following:

• Prevent taking babies and young kids outside when the temperature level is high. If they should go outside, grownups ought to guarantee they remain in locations with moderate temperature levels and excellent ventilation or air-conditioning. Babies and kids need to never ever be left ignored in a restricted area such as a car;
• The senior, pregnant ladies, people with persistent health problems or obese individuals ought to pay very close attention to their health. They need to look for aid as quickly as possible if they experience any problems in health indications such as high blood pressure, heart rate, and so on or if there are changes in their health conditions. Prevent heading out when the temperature level is high. Ensure there is excellent ventilation, or switch on a fan or air-conditioner to keep a suitable temperature level inside. Heats can likewise intensify the condition of individuals with persistent diseases (such as cardiovascular and breathing illness). They must have an adequate supply of their normal medication and keep in contact with household members, neighbours and the neighborhood. Individuals need to look for instant assistance if they feel unhealthy.
• Outdoor/manual employees are recommended to reschedule work to cooler hours as far as possible. If operating in a hot environment is inescapable, offer shade where practicable and utilize ventilation and heat dissipation devices. When work has actually started, slowly change the speed of work and take breaks in the shade to restore strength.

“Heat stroke is one of the most common health risks in hot weather. Over the past five years, there have been over 200 hospital admissions due to heat stroke each year in Hong Kong, with two to five fatal cases occurring mainly during the summer months from May to September. Vulnerable groups are more susceptible to heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion. In severe cases, patients may suffer from convulsions or become unconscious, which can be life-threatening if they are not cooled down and resuscitated in a timely manner,” stated the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.

Members of the general public are likewise recommended to focus on the current weather condition, along with the real-time and forecasted ultraviolet (UV) index launched by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV index is high (6 or above):

• Minimise direct sunshine direct exposure to the skin and the eyes;
• Use broad-spectrum, waterproof sun block with a sun security element (SPF) of a minimum of 30 or greater when taking part in outside activities. Reapply sun block every 2 hours if remaining outdoors for extended periods of time, or after swimming, sweating or toweling off;
• While utilizing DEET-containing bug sprays for individual defense versus mosquito-borne illness, use sun block before bug spray;
• Look for shade;
• Use UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Use loose-fitting clothes with long-sleeves; and
• Use a wide-brimmed hat or utilize an umbrella.

If signs establish, such as lightheadedness, headache, queasiness, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and look for assistance instantly, and look for medical recommendations as quickly as possible.

The general public might acquire more details from the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO’s Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), most current weather forecast and projection, UV Index and weather condition details for treking and mountaineering; and news release of the Labour Department on preventative measures versus heat stroke for outside employees and their companies when the Heat Stress at Work Warning is in force.