Australia is no stranger to hot weather, and Griffith University researchers have compiled five handy things to be aware of so we do not place our health at risk during the summer months.
Dr Fergus O’Connor from Griffith’s School of Allied Health, Sport and Social Work said cooling interventions were essential in the face of climate change, and ever-increasing temperatures.
“Extreme heat poses significant health risks with older adults, people with chronic illnesses and those unable to limit exposure – such as outdoor workers – most at risk,” Dr O’Connor said.
“Limiting physical exertion and maintaining hydration are essential to mitigating excessive heat strain.
“Pushing yourself too hard in a hot environment increases your internal heat production, placing greater stress on the body as it tries to cool you down.
“When you can’t avoid physical exertion, try and rest in a shaded or cool space for 15-45 minutes per hour depending on work intensity.
“Hydration is key, and replacing fluid lost through sweating helps the body cope with heat exposure.
“Heat exposed persons should drink enough water to maintain stable body weight, while avoiding sugary or caffeinated beverages.”
While accessing cool, air-conditioned spaces (e.g., public libraries, work rest-areas) offered relief from heat exposure, their benefit was short-lived, requiring additional cooling measures to mitigate heat-related risks upon returning to hot environments.
Using low-cost cooling strategies such as electric fans, misting the skin with cool water, immersing limbs in cool water, or applying cold towels on the neck could provide relief from the heat, but the benefits of these interventions diminished as it became hotter.
“Cooling the indoor environment with air-conditioning is the most effective way to prevent heat-related mortality, but air-conditioning remains inaccessible for many low-income households and workplaces,” he said.
“Expanding access and lowering costs through subsidies, rebates, and complementary cooling strategies is essential to ensure equitable protection for those at risk.”
The paper ‘Five things to know about……:staying cool during heat exposure’ has been published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
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Fergus O'Connor
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