Global warming and climate change just got real. If you’re in Nigeria, then you’d know that the heat wave across the country is real.
Research shows that Nigeria is vulnerable to climate change if left unchecked. Global warming and climate change both refers to an increase in average global temperature, which is what we are experiencing.
Disorders associated with climate change include droughts, killer heat waves, wild fires, flooding etc. The heat waves in Nigeria as of present are caused by global warming and climate change.
With no stable power supply, dealing with the heat is definitely a matter of concern. Too much heat and an increased body temperature can cause dehydration, dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea, heat stroke exhaustion which can be very dangerous.
Although, a heatwave can affect anybody, the most vulnerable people at risk include:
a. Elderly people above 65 years
b. Babies and young children
c. Non-sedentary workers E.g laborers
d. Alcohol or Drug misuser
e. People who are seriously ill (E.g metabolic disease such as Diabetes or Parkinson’s disease) or those with mental health challenges
f. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
g. Disabled
h. People involved in sports
i. People taken certain medications: diuretics, antidepressants or antipsychotic, seizure medications, hypersensitive, allergy medications.
How To Survive The Heat
1. Always stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks or sugary beverages. Don’t wait to thirsty before you take a sip, if possible always carry a bottle with you.
2. Wear loose- fitted, light-colored cotton clothing
Cotton is the best to wear during this period, it absorbs extra moisture and on the plus side helps to cool you down. Avoid wearing dark clothes-they absorb more heat.
3. Stay out of the sun between 11am to 3pm: Considered to be the hottest part of the day. If you must, wear sunscreen, sunglasses and maybe a loose fitting hat or light scarf for personal protection.
4. Close all windows during the day to block out the sun. Open when there’s cool breeze especially at night.
5. If you’ve got steady supply of electricity take full advantage of your air-conditioning and electric fans.
6. Change your sleeping position to a more cooler part of your room.
7. Have regular cold showers/baths several times in a day to cool your body temperature.
8. Change your curtains from a darker shade to a much lighter one-prevents the absorption of heat.
9. Avoid heavy foods. They give your body a harder task digesting which increases body heat.
10. Constantly check up on friends and family – especially those who are sick and are less able to take care of themselves
11. Do not leave your children or pets locked up in a car.
12. Use wet towels to keep yourself cool or place your feet in cold water.
13. Avoid activities that require lots of energy E.g sports
