KOTA BARU – People in Kelantan are urged to limit outdoor activities due to the country’s current hot spell, said state Health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin.
He said the sweltering weather causes stress to the human body, which can lead to heat stroke that can result in permanent disability or death.
He said that anyone can be at risk, especially those involved in outdoor physical activities, children aged five and under, those suffering from respiratory diseases, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and thyroid as well as adults aged 40 and above.
“The risk increases if they wear thick and tight clothing that traps heat and prevents evaporation of sweat from the body leading to headaches, fatigue, poor concentration, dizziness, muscle weakness, or cramps, in addition to nausea and vomiting.
“Further severe conditions can cause dehydration, confusion, and coma,” he said when contacted today.
Elaborating, Dr Zaini said that one of the ways to prevent or reduce the effects of extreme heat on health is to drink plenty of plain water regardless of the level of physical activity and not wait to drink until one feels thirsty.
“In addition, the public is advised to stay indoors, take frequent rests, to shower or use the fan to cool the body, and to wear light, light-coloured, and loose clothes.
“Avoid drinks containing caffeine, alcohol, or with high sugar content and sitting in a closed car or exercising in hot weather,” he said.
Earlier, news on the death of two children due to heat stroke went viral on social media. An 11-year-old boy died at the Balai health clinic near Bachok last Wednesday while a 19-month-old girl from Kg Kota, here, died last Tuesday. – Bernama, April 28, 2023
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