adminKUALA LUMPUR: The extreme hot weather currently affecting the country not only increases health risks dramatically, but can also have long-term effects on the body, including serious complications such as heat stroke.
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Public Health Physician Associate Prof Dr Malina Osman said health risks due to hot weather can be divided into two main categories, namely sudden effects and long-term effects.
He said among the sudden effects is heat stroke when the body is continuously exposed to high temperatures until it fails to adapt to the conditions, thus disrupting the cardiovascular system.
“This condition usually occurs in individuals who are not used to being exposed to hot temperatures or are suddenly exposed to high temperatures. It is more noticeable in those with chronic diseases such as kidney disease, high blood pressure, patients undergoing chemotherapy, the elderly and individuals with autoimmune problems,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.
Dr Malina said heat stroke was serious because it could cause death if not treated immediately, while long-term hot weather caused dehydration or a lack of water in the body which could affect the body’s physiological functions.
“This situation can also worsen chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and kidney problems, as well as causing stress and discomfort that can affect mental health, including depression,” he said.
He said the public is advised to pay special attention to vulnerable groups to ensure they are not exposed to the effects of extreme heat, including ensuring that chronic patients and the elderly are protected from heat exposure and take medication along with sufficient amounts of water.
Dr Malina also suggested that every home should have a space that can buffer heat, especially during peak temperatures at noon, either through good ventilation, the use of fans or air conditioning for those who can afford it.
Meanwhile, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA), Associate Professor Dr Aryati Ahmad, stressed the importance of increasing the intake of plain water, fruits and balanced foods to help maintain body hydration.
“Reduce your intake of foods that are too sweet, salty and fatty because they can cause the body to become tired, lethargic and uncomfortable in hot weather,” he said.
He said the aspect of food storage also needed to be given serious attention because high temperatures could cause food to spoil quickly and increase the risk of food poisoning.
Director-General of the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the public should avoid prolonged exposure to open areas, especially during extremely hot weather.
“The best measure is to avoid being in open areas for long periods of time. If you have to go out, use an umbrella or hat and find a shady area,” he told Bernama.
Yesterday, MetMalaysia announced that the Pendang and Baling districts in Kedah were the latest areas to be hit by a level two heat wave with daily maximum temperatures reaching 37 to 40 degrees Celsius as of 4 pm and the hot weather status in Padang Terap, Kedah also remained at level two.
A total of 15 other areas in the Peninsula are at level one (alert), including the whole of Perlis and Kuala Lumpur, as well as several districts in Kedah, Penang and Perak.
According to MetMalaysia, a level two heat wave occurs when daily temperatures are between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days, while an alert level is recorded at the same temperature range for that period.
— BERNAMA
