We have quite a few sayings about heat - "if you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen", "the heat of the moment", "the white heat of technology", "as hot as hell"..... We have a very mixed relationship to heat, sun & heatwaves. Some love it. I actually dread it because, like many elderly people, I find it really difficult to cope with. I have to virtually shutdown & stay in the coolest room in my house which is North facing.
We are now experiencing the third successive heatwave this summer in the UK. We have amber heat alerts with temperatures in the 30's & 3 areas now have hosepipe bans. The highest temperature so far was 34.7 degrees. According to RoSPA “Heat is no longer just a holiday perk, it’s a growing public health risk".
If you have pre-existing health conditions heat exacerbates the symptoms. Conditions like heart disease, respiratory problems, kidney issues, and diabetes can be worsened, leading to a higher risk of complications and even death.The body's attempt to cool down during heat exposure puts extra strain on the heart, potentially leading to chest pain, heart attack, or even heart failure in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. Hot weather can worsen breathing difficulties & reduce oxygen intake. Heat and dehydration can strain the kidneys, potentially leading to acute kidney injury, especially in individuals with existing kidney problems. Some medications, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, and drugs for mental health, can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature and maintain proper fluid balance, making people more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
People like me with chronic health conditions need to take extra precautions during heatwaves, such as staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity, and seeking shade or air-conditioned environments. Actually I find there is no choice, because I simply do not have the capacity to do anything even slightly energetic. So the ironing remains unironed, the plants aren't watered, the bed is never made & the washing up sits and looks mockingly at me.
But I don't mind that. It will all get done eventually. What I mind is the enforced inactivity. The constant discomfort.
But I am fortunate because I can & do swim, which is a temporary respite & makes sure I do get some exercise. I have family living nearby & friends who keep in touch. So many people are struggling with the results of climate change who aren't as lucky.
The Climate Emergency needs to be taken far more seriously by everyone. We can see the evidence clearly, not least in the wildfire statistics.
https://gwis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/apps/gwis_current_situation/index.html
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0m9gm3jwljo
Heat is a killer, in more ways than one.
No comments:
Post a Comment