As Australia braces for a major heatwave, SBS Urdu finds out how to deal with hot climate.
A heatwave is described by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology as three or more days of high maximum and minimum temperatures that are unusual for a given location.
Australia is sweltering through the start of a week-long heatwave as temperatures rise into the 40s in some regions.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast daytime temperatures of up to 12C above average and 10C higher than usual at night from Monday to Friday.
There are a number of ways to combat the current heatwave and deal with the Australian summer.
GP and health expert Dr Sumair Saeed tells SBS Urdu that heatwaves cause the highest number of deaths compared to other natural disasters in Australia.
"During such weather due to excessive heat your body sweats, which causes loss of water and nutrients from the body. This can have adverse health effects on us," said Dr Saeed.
Here are a few tips to by Dr Saeed to stay safe in such extreme weather.
"The most important thing to do is drink excessive water. Generally, 1 to 1.5 litres more than normal is suggested," said Dr Saeed.
"Secondly the heat peaks between 10 am and 2 pm. It is advised to stay indoors at that time, preferably in an air-conditioned environment.
"Another important point that some of our community members forget is that tea and coffee consumption needs to be reduced as it causes dehydration.
"Loose clothing is suggested so that your body can produce sweat and maintain its temperature.
"If you are travelling outside, make sure no one is left in the car, as the temperature can rise more than 10-20 degree in less than 10-15 minutes which can be fatal especially for young kids." he further added.
According to Health Direct here are some further tips on dealing with hot weather in Australia:
Estimated annual average number of heat-related deaths, selected capital cities and states, 2007, 2020, 2050 Source: Australia State of the Environment 2016
1. Drink plenty of water
One of the best ways to avoid heat-related illness is to drink plenty of water. It’s important to keep drinking water even if you don’t feel thirsty, because this can prevent you from becoming dehydrated. Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks (including tea and coffee) because these can make dehydration worse.
2. Keep your body cool
Keeping as cool as possible can also help you prevent heat-related illness. Make sure you stay out of the sun. Drinking cold drinks and eating smaller, cold meals, such as salads and fruit, can also help you to keep cool. Other things to do include wearing light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres such as cotton, and taking cool showers or baths.
3. Keep your house cool
You can help keep your house cool by shutting curtains and blinds during the day. If you don’t have air-conditioning, go to a cool place such as a library, shopping centre, cinema or swimming pool. Stay in the coolest room in the house and use the stove and oven as little as possible.
4. Take care of others
Visit or call elderly friends, neighbours or relatives at least once a day. Check they have water in the fridge and encourage them to drink it. You may like to take them to a shopping centre, library or cinema with air-conditioning. Children also need to be reminded to drink water, and babies, children or animals should never be left alone in a car, even if the air-conditioner is on. Ensure animals have water and plenty of shade if they are outside.
5. Have a plan
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and know who to call if you need help. Ask your doctor if you have any health conditions that mean you are at greater risk of heat-related illness, and what you need to do about them to keep well in the heat. If you are unwell, contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. If you think your symptoms are serious, call for an ambulance immediately on triple zero (000). See the sections below for when you may need to seek medical help.
6. Further to these points keep your food safe, stay safe in the sun and when it cools down continue to drink plenty of water.
For further information on heatwaves visit the factsheet put together by Doctors for the Environment Australia 2016.
Australian states and territories health authorities
More information can be found by contacting your local council or your state or territory health authority for information specifically for your area:
Australian Capital Territory
www.health.act.gov.au or call 13 2281
New South Wales
www.health.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 9391 9000
Northern Territory
www.nt.gov.au or call (08) 8999 2400
Queensland
www.health.qld.gov.au or call 13 43 25 84
South Australia
www.health.sa.gov.au or call (08) 8226 7115
Tasmania
www.dhhs.tas.gov.au or call 1300 135 513
Victoria
www.health.vic.gov.au or call 1300 761 874
Western Australia
www.healthywa.health.wa.gov.au or call (08) 9222 4222.
For more great stories in Urdu 1us_uk_apple_podcasts_listen_badge_rgb.jpg1google_podcasts_badge.png
Also, listen to SBS Urdu radio program on Wednesdays and Sundays at 6:00 pm AEST.
