HMC: Follow summer best practices to cut heat risks

Qatar Tribune

5 days ago

Tribune News Network
Doha
As schools close for the long summer holidays and temperatures continue to rise, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)urged the public to be extra vigilant in safeguarding themselves and their household, especially children from heat-related illnesses, which are more prevalent during the hotter months.
The Hamad Injury Prevention Program (HIPP) of HMC's Hamad Trauma Centre, a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre on Trauma, has issued a list of best practices to keep residents in Qatar safe in the hot weather.
Medical experts at HMC emphasize that children are especially vulnerable to high temperatures and humidity. Dr. Aisha Abeid, assistant director of the Hamad Injury Prevention Program (HIPP) at Hamad Trauma Centre (HTC), highlights that children's bodies do not adjust to environmental changes as efficiently as adults do. 'It's important for parents to ensure that any outdoor activities take place during cooler parts of the day or in shaded or air-conditioned areas,' said Dr. Abeid.
She noted that children's bodies can heat up five times faster than those of adults, making them more prone to heat stress and related complications. 'High temperatures can be dangerous for anyone, but for children, the risk is significantly greater,' she added.
These risks are not confined to children only. 'The elderly or those with co-morbidities or chronic disease are as vulnerable as young children if they stay outdoor at the heat peak hours between 10am-4pm' said Dr. Abeid.
Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly and may present symptoms such as elevated body temperature, clammy skin, irritability, excessive thirst or sweating, headaches, dizziness, or weakness. If left untreated, these can progress to more severe conditions such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
To help families enjoy the summer safely, HMC advises that children never be left unsupervised outdoors and that caregivers adopt practical preventive measures, especially when heading to beaches, parks, or swimming pools. Dr. Abeid suggests that children should wear light-coloured, breathable clothing and be kept well hydrated, with access to shade and regular breaks from the heat.
Dr. Abeid recommends these proven 'Smart' techniques to reduce your family risk of heat-related illness:
1) Stay hydrated; ensure you and your children drink plenty of fluids. Sweating removes much needed salt and minerals from the body.
2) Supervise children as they play outdoors so any signs of heat-related illnesses can be immediately identified and addressed.
3) Monitor local heat and humidity forecasts, using any weather app, to know if there are heat warnings of extreme temperatures, > 40-45 C, and/or humidity, >50%.
4) Avoid unshaded areas and surfaces that absorb and reflect heat, like asphalt, concrete, dark coloured and reflective surfaces.
5) Regular breaks for any outdoor activity, every 30 minutes, moving adults and children into air conditioned indoors or shaded spaces and to drink cool liquids, every 15 minutes. Dry their sweat off, provide a cool towel wipe and change clothes, if necessary. Use a phone alarm with lively alarm sounds or songs and make it a game with the children, so they enjoy these breaks.
6) Time outdoor activity time before 10am and after 4pm to reduce dangerous heat exposure.
7) Never leave anyone, especially children, in a parked car.
In case your child has developed any heat related illness symptoms such as sweating, dehydration, confusion, you should take them to a cooler area immediately and call 999 for further guidance.
HMC reminds families that with thoughtful planning and a proactive approach, children can enjoy a fun and a safe summer season.