Health authorities have cautioned the public to take appropriate precautions to avoid any health-related issues caused by the extreme heat currently prevailing in the country.
The Department of Meteorology of Sri Lanka has issued a warning noting that the Heat Index or the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Extreme Caution Level’ at some places in the Northern, North Central, North Western and Eastern Provinces and in the Moneragala district.
Accordingly, the maximum temperature in the North, North Central, and Eastern Provinces, as well as the Moneragala district, will range from 36 to 37 degrees Celsius until the second week of May.
It also said that the Heat Index is expected to increase up to ‘Caution Level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern Provinces.
Health authorities have advised people to move to the coolest room in the home, especially at night. If it is not possible to keep your home cool, spend two to three hours of the day in a cool place.
It is also advised to avoid going outside during the hottest time of the day. Strenuous physical activity should also be avoided if possible. If a person must do strenuous activity, it should be done during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning.
Medical experts explained that due to the high temperature in the environment, when a person is exposed to the external environment, blood flows to the skin to control the body temperature, resulting in the face becoming red, sweating, etc.
They further said that people over 50 years of age are at risk of heart attack due to this high temperature. Patients with heart failure, i.e. those with only a part of the heart functioning, should drink the amount of water that the heart can bear. Health authorities further said that drinking more than that amount of water is harmful, and when thirsty, it is advisable to wet the mouth without swallowing water, and the body should be weighed regularly.
Experts have further mentioned that it is important for people suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney adisease, etc. to drink enough water.
Schoolchildren should not be allowed to play outside in the afternoon and it is also inappropriate to bathe in iced water or drink iced water.
Ishara Mudugamuwa