Tips for Facing Hot Weather

The scorching sun and hot air the past few days have made outdoor events even more unattractive.

Hary Tirto Djatmiko, Head of Public Relations of BMKG said, May-June is the first month to enter the dry trend. Some areas in Indonesia have experienced symptoms without rain for 30 days. Starting from the areas of Nusa Tenggara, Bali, Java, and Sumatra. These symptoms will gradually shift to other areas.

"Especially the area south of the equator," said Hary.

BMKG predicts the peak of the dry season will fall in August and September. During that time, it seems that we have to endure a lot of heat. Because the air temperature can reach 32-35 ° C and only starts to finish in October.

"There is no unusual phenomenon, it is still relatively normal during the 30-year era," said Hary again.

However, this hot weather can be more torturous for those who want to fast in mid-May to June. Excess heat can cause fatal health problems, especially in individuals with heart and respiratory problems. Then how to work around it?

The human body temperature must remain between 36.1-37.8°C. If it is more than 37.8, the body has procedures to cool down by sweating. However, there are groups of individuals who are not able to sweat optimally.

For example, parents and individuals taking certain medications that block sweating. Less sweat means the body temperature will rise more quickly. If that's the case, they can make them tired due to high temperatures (heat exhaustion). If left unchecked, this condition will develop into heat stroke and can destroy the brain, other vital organs, and even lead to death.

Parents are one of the groups most vulnerable to exposure to hot temperatures, especially for those who are over 75 years old. Next up are infants and young children, individuals with chronic conditions, particularly heart or respiratory problems. Then, individuals with mobility problems, such as people with Parkinson's disease or stroke. Also, people with serious mental health problems, certain drugs, alcohol, and physically active individuals.

Tips for Facing Hot Weather

There are several signs from the body that we need to be aware of when exposed to high temperatures. When the loss of body fluids continues, the body will experience fatigue caused by lack of water or lack of salt. Symptoms of lack of water include excessive thirst, weakness, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. Meanwhile, the signs of a lack of salt are nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness.

In general, symptoms of heat exhaustion include confusion, dark urine color, headaches to fainting, tiredness, dizziness, muscle or stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, pale skin, sweating a lot, fast heartbeat. There are several tips that can be applied to avoid the health effects of hot temperatures.

First, close all windows or vents in your home when it's hotter outside. Do the opposite when the air becomes cooler so that air circulation continues. You can use bright colored curtains to cover the windows, because dark colored curtains can make the room hotter.

Avoid outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. because these hours are the hottest time of the day. If you must go out, wear loose clothing, a head covering, and a hat. Take a bath with masbodoh water and drink water/fruit juice regularly.

You also need to avoid excessive consumption of sugary drinks such as coke, alcohol, tea and coffee. Because, sugar will be converted into energy, and the process will increase body temperature. Consumption of water as much as 17-20 ounces is recommended for individuals with high events such as athletes with a distance of consumption 2-3 hours before activity. Plus, consume 7-10 ounces every 20 minutes and 8 ounces within half an hour of the event.