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

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (October 8) advised members of the general public to take suitable safety measures versus heat-related diseases, such as heat cramps, heat fatigue and heat stroke throughout really heat.

In a high-temperature environment, extreme sweating and problem 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 assist in sweating and heat dissipation;
• Keep the space well aerated, e.g. by opening windows;
• Prevent exhausting workout and extended activities such as treking or travelling;
• Organize 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, in addition to alcohols, which might accelerate water loss through the urinary system.

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

• Prevent taking babies and 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 young kids need to never ever be left ignored in a restricted area such as an automobile;
• The senior, pregnant ladies, people with persistent diseases or obese individuals need to pay attention to their health. They must look for assistance as quickly as possible if they experience any problems in health signs 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 proper temperature level inside your home. Heats can likewise get worse the condition of individuals with persistent diseases (such as cardiovascular and breathing illness). They need to have an adequate supply of their normal medication and keep in contact with household members, neighbours and the neighborhood. Individuals ought to look for instant assistance if they feel unhealthy.
• Outdoor/manual employees are encouraged to reschedule work to cooler hours as far as practical. If operating in a hot environment is inevitable, offer shade where practicable and utilize ventilation and heat dissipation devices. As soon as work has actually started, slowly change the rate 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,” a representative for the CHP stated.

Members of the general public are likewise recommended to take notice of the most recent weather condition, in addition to 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 aspect (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 security 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 aid instantly, and look for medical recommendations as quickly as possible.

The general public might get more info 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 safety measures versus heat stroke for outside employees and their companies when the Heat Stress at Work Warning is in force.