In the past few weeks, an average Nigerian living in Nigeria has undoubtedly uttered the term “Heat fit kill person?” Far more than they intended. The cold harmattan breeze, which most Nigerians expect to see throughout the festive season, particularly around Christmas, was present for a few weeks before disappearing as swiftly as it came.
Many Nigerians are outraged at the unusual climatic shift. During heatwaves, temperatures in various places of the world often fluctuate between 40°C and 50°C. Time and Date meteorological statistics from previous weeks, the temperature in Nigeria has risen. The atmosphere remains quite humid, and the temperature is a little high, making the past few days to be classified as a ‘hot day’. There is no quick fix to the country’s high weather temperatures, but there are measures that you can implement into your lifestyle to assist in mitigating the effects of heat.
What Does Heat Do To Your Body?
Do you ever wonder what influence heat can have on your body? During a heat wave, your body’s first response is to try to cool itself down. This mechanism is known as sweating. The blood vessels near the skin’s surface expand, allowing more blood to flow through the skin. The sweat gland generates sweat, which evaporates from the skin’s surface. The expansion of blood vessels near the skin’s surface allows the body to release heat.
Your body may lose more fluid than it takes in if it keeps sweating and releasing heat to cool itself, which can result in dehydration. Additionally, heat waves can cause heat exhaustion, which appears as excessive sweating, lightheadedness, and fatigue.
Can I Die From Extreme Heat?
Have you ever heard or watched someone faint in a poorly ventilated room? I’ll get right to the point. Yes, excessive heat could kill you. In extreme heat conditions, the body may fail to regulate its temperature adequately, resulting in heatstroke and other issues such as loss of consciousness, and so on.
Heat stroke is common in the elderly due to a loss in the body’s ability to manage temperature variation (this is connected with aging). Individuals with chronic disorders affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs are also at risk due to their bodies’ limited ability to cope with heat stress.
During heat waves, the heart rate increases in order to give blood to the blood vessels and other organs. This increased heart rate can lead to stress, which can be problematic, particularly for persons who have cardiac conditions.
How can I stay cool on a hot day?
Living in Africa, particularly in the Western region, means that summertime is a non-stop schedule. Nigeria has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. Nigeria, on the other hand, experiences year-round heat due to its tropical environment, which is marked by high humidity and temperatures. Thus, for many citizens, getting away from the heat is of utmost importance. Here are a few easy lifestyle changes to help you stay cool on a hot day.
Maintaining Hydration
On hot days, your body sweats more, which causes the body to lose extra fluid. Increasing your water consumption will help to keep your body hydrated all day.
Regaining lost salts and minerals is facilitated by consuming electrolyte-rich liquids, such as energy drinks. On hot days, you should abstain from alcohol consumption. This could lead you to urinate frequently and cause dehydration.
Limit Strenuous Activities
Societal inability to provide equal possibilities for the masses has caused a large number of Nigerians to turn to various side hustles, the most of which are strenuous. As a result, undertaking heavy work is not at all avoidable in Nigeria. Nonetheless, limiting your rigorous activities can help control your body’s stress and heat dissipation.
Wear Lightweight Clothing
On hot days, it’s best to wear loose-fitting garments and bright colors like white. Wearing breathable fabrics such as cotton can help minimize sweat production.
Use Fans
Portable fans are becoming increasingly popular among Nigerians. Owning a portable fan ensures you have air circulation and a cool breeze at all times.
Protect Yourself Using Shades
When you go outside, make sure to wear sunglasses, hats, and umbrellas. Take cold showers throughout the day to help reduce your body temperature.
The Bottom Line
According to Time and Date meteorological statistics from previous weeks, the temperature in Nigeria has risen. The atmosphere remains quite humid, and the temperature is a little high, making the past few days to be classified as a ‘hot day’.
During a heat wave, your body’s first response is to try to cool itself down. This mechanism is known as sweating. Your body may lose more fluid than it takes in if it keeps sweating and releasing heat to cool itself, which can result in dehydration.
Yes, excessive heat could kill you. In extreme heat conditions, the body may fail to regulate its temperature adequately, resulting in heatstroke and other issues such as loss of consciousness, and so on.
Maintaining hydration, limiting strenuous activities, wearing lightweight clothing are some of the easy lifestyle changes that can help you stay cool on scorching days.
