Moph, Mol Raise Awareness On Heat Stress As Temperature Rises

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) M Mazharul Haque | The Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: Since the onset of summer in Qatar, the government has taken many steps to protect people from heat related illnesses in indoor and outdoor spaces, besides raising awareness through social media channels. With the rising temperatures, the Ministry of Public health (MoPH) and the Ministry of Labour (MoL) have stepped up efforts to raise awareness on heat stress and how people can protect themselves.

Qatar Meteorology Department has predicted the mercury will continue to rise this week and will range between 41 and 48 degree Celsius across the country. The MoPH and MoL have issued some guidelines on managing the heat stress.

The MoL on its X account has shared some tips to deal with heat stress at work.“Drink cool water every 15 minutes. Avoid tea, coffee, energy drinks and soft drinks. Schedule more frequent breaks during work and eat right and light [food].''

The MoPH on its X account has highlighted relation between the urine colour and the level of hydration of body. The MoPH said that if urine colour is dark yellow, then one should drink water immediately. If light yellow, there is a need to drink more water, and even if it is a normal colour, one must continue drinking water.

When the body is fully hydrated the urine is pale, odourless and plentiful. If there is mild dehydration, the urine is slightly darker yellow and if it is medium-dark yellow it usually means that you are dehydrated. If the body is very dehydrated, the urine has a darker colour, strong-smell and comes in small amounts.

However certain foods, medicines and vitamin supplements may change your urine colour even if you are fully hydrated. The colours should only be used as a guide and should not replace the advice of health professionals. Speak to your doctor if you are worried about the colour of your urine, the amount of water you drink or dehydration.

The government measures to protect workers from heat stress include the ban of work in open spaces during day time, 10am to 3.30pm, starting from June 1, 2024 to September 15, 2024. The ban enforcement is as per the Ministerial Resolution No. 17 of 2021.

Stepping out on a hot summer day can be a real challenge. The sweat and heat can easily lead to dehydration and make you feel lethargic. According to medical experts there are many precautions one can take to stay healthy during summer.

Staying hydrated is the simple rule of surviving the summer heat. Drinking water helps to maintain the amount of fluid in your body which is lost easily in the form of sweat. Have juice, coconut water and hydrating fruits.

Taking a cold shower in hot weather seems relaxing and comforting, but scientists suggest that this makes you feel even hotter. That's because when you take a cool shower your body has to work harder to warm up again. Studies suggest that lukewarm water cools your bloodstream. So, opting for it is a better option.

Caffeine and nicotine intake can also increase the body's core temperature.

They constrict the blood vessels, which warm the blood and make you feel hot and sweaty. Have cool beverages like coconut water, lemon water and fruit juices.

Eating heavy meals can also generate heat in the body and make you feel uncomfortable. After a large meal, your body has to work harder to digest the food and metabolise it.

This eventually increases your core temperature and makes you feel sweaty and lethargic afterwards. Consume light and freshly cooked meals in the summers. Cut down on processed food and intake of salty foods.

If you are feeling hot, then an easy way to bring your temperature down is by cooling your toes. Putting wet clothes and soaking your feet in cool water for some time can relax

you and make you feel less hot. You can also wear wet socks for a while.

Wearing tightly fitted and dark coloured clothes can make you more sweaty. If you intend to stay cool and avoid excessive sweating, opt for loose, light-coloured cotton clothes. Your sweat does not evaporate when you wear thick clothes. Besides, dark colours absorb more wavelengths of light, making you feel hotter.

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