Global warming has done it again. Because of this, many people around the world will experience summers that may be "too hot for humans" to be under.
Millions of people worldwide could be at risk of being exposed to hazardous heat stress levels, which could potentially cause major organs to shut down.
Heat stress is defined as the body's inability to cool down properly. Due to this, its core temperature keeps shooting at dangerous levels.
Furthermore, it usually occurs when the evaporation of sweat on the skin can't take place due to the air being too humid.
In an interview with BBC, Dr. Jimmy Lee, an emergency medic in Singapore, shares his concern for medical health professionals having to wear sweltering hot PPE to protect themselves from the virus that's taken almost the entire world.
It hits health care workers in tropical countries harder, particularly those working in establishments with no air conditioning and limited sources for proper cooling.
One danger, he realizes, is that overheating can slow down their ability to make quick decisions. In a medical setting, this ability is very crucial.
Another concern he mentions is that they may ignore the warning signs of heat stress, such as faintness and nausea. As leaders in health, they might just keep on working until they collapse.
He adds that the protective gear gets uncomfortable over an eight-hour shift, and could affect morale.
Here are some ways to prevent dehydration and heat stress for frontliners battling COVID-19 under hot and heavy protective gear.
1. Drink, drink, drink
Although already pretty obvious, drinking enough water might be easier said than done. Among health workers, Dr. Lee shares that there's a practical problem that some people do not want to drink so they can avoid having to go to the toilet.
In the first place, some healthcare workers don't go to the toilet too often because of too much workload. From patient to patient and one procedure after another, having to go to the toilet might seem like another chore on their list.
Furthermore, changing in and out of PPE when going to the toilet seems like another task to take on.
Dr. Lee advises health professionals to drink plenty of fluid before they start their shifts, take regular breaks, and then drink again when they rest.
2. Be physically fit
Keeping your body in good shape will do wonders while you are on your shifts. Dr. Lee says that by keeping yourself aerobically fit, you also increase your heat tolerance.
Furthermore, regular exercise could strengthen your systems and give you more stamina. Exercise also increases the body's production of serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine, all of which are effective mood boosters.
Being under a lot of stress with the pandemic, among many other things, having a little boost physically and mentally definitely would be more helpful.
3. Don't overdo it
Dr. Lee explains how some medical personnel have a professional desire to keep working despite whatever difficulties they face. This mentality comes so as not to let colleagues and patients down, especially during a time of crisis.
According to Dr. Jason Lee, an associate professor in physiology at the National University of Singapore, highly motivated people could actually be at the greatest risk of heat injury.
As leaders in providing care to patients, it is important to recognize that you are mere people as well who have the same needs as anyone else. To keep providing service and help to others, first, it is crucial to check yourselves and make sure that things are looking great for you.
