Health
Health issues to beware of
during the big move to the UAE
T
he process of transitioning from
one country to another, despite
the extensive timelines that
most new educators have had
to work with, will take a toll after a while.
All educators are keen on starting the
new school year right. This means that
in addition to the rigours involved in
setting up life in a new country, they
also need to be healthy and effective
in their new role. Despite all good
intentions, the stress of transitioning
and the change in environment can
create new illnesses as well as agitate
old ones.
Yes, we are living in the desert and
it gets extremely hot. Heat related
illnesses are common but definitely
manageable. The impacts of climate
change on health will depend on many
factors. These factors include the
effectiveness of a community’s public
health and safety systems to address
or prepare for the risks, age, gender
and economic status of individuals
affected.
• Heatstroke: A sunstroke occurs
when the body fails to regulate
its own temperature and body
temperature continues to rise,
often to 105°F (40.6°C) or higher.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency.
Even with immediate treatment,
it can be life threatening or cause
serious long-term problems.
Be aware of the symptoms of heatrelated illnesses and the warning signs
of dehydration. Practice heat safety
measures when you are physically
active in hot weather. Drink plenty of
water before, during, and after you
are active. Fluids such as rehydration
drinks, juices, or water help replace
lost fluids, especially if you sweat
a lot. Eat fruits and vegetables to
replace nutrients. If possible, exercise
or workout outside during the cooler
times of the day. Wear lightweight,
light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing
in hot weather, so your skin can cool
through evaporation. Wear a wide-
Heat related illnesses include:
• Heat rash: This occurs when the
sweat ducts to the skin become
blocked or swell, causing discomfort
and itching.
• Heat cramps: This happens in
muscles after exercise because
sweating causes the body to
lose water, salt, and minerals
(electrolytes).
• Heat Edema: This results in swelling
in the legs and hands, which can
occur when you sit or stand for a
long time in a hot environment.
• Heat
Tetany: Hyperventilation
and heat stress are usually caused
by short periods of stress in a hot
environment.
• Heat syncope: Fainting occurs
from low blood pressure when heat
causes the blood vessels to expand
(dilate) and body fluids move into
the legs because of gravity.
• Heat Exhaustion: Heat prostration
generally develops when a person is
working or exercising in hot weather
and does not drink enough liquids
to replace those lost liquids.
48 | Sep - Oct 2015 |
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After The Bell
brimmed hat or use an umbrella for
shade. Take frequent breaks in the
shade, by a fan, or in air-conditioning.
Take a cool bath or shower 1 or 2 times
a day in hot weather. If you have to
stand for any length of time in a hot
environment, flex your leg muscles
often. This prevents blood from pooling
in your lower legs, which can lead to
fainting. To prevent swelling, wear
support hose to stimulate circulation
while standing for long periods of time.
Other health issues that can flare up
include sinus related problems and
eczema resulting from the heat and
dust. Be sure to seek out a specialist
(see How to choose the right healthcare
professional in this issue). Your health
is your most valuable asset, be sure to
take good care of it!
Source: http://www.webmd.com/first-aid/tc/
heat-related-illnesses-topic-overview