- 20
- May
Jamaicans Urged to Reduce Heat Exposure
The Ministry of Health & Wellness is reminding the public that excessive heat stress is harmful to health and potentially fatal.
Heat-related illnesses can range from mild conditions such as a rash or cramps to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions such as heatstroke.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, members of the public are encouraged to:
- Hydrate with cool water, especially when it is hot and humid.
- Drink more fluids and limit or avoid sugar-sweetened drinks and beverages that contain alcohol.
- Drink more water than usual before, during, and after vigorous activities (at least 15 minutes before, and take fluid breaks at least every 15 minutes).
- Exercise indoors where possible.
- Drink more water than normal if exposed to heat for long periods (greater than two hours).
- Avoid the sun during the middle of the day by limiting outdoor activities to mornings and evenings, and seeking out shade when outdoors.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics.
Certain groups are at greater risk of being affected by heat.
The most vulnerable include the elderly, bedridden individuals, infants and children younger than six years of age, people who are overweight, and those with preexisting medical conditions (including diabetes and hypertension).
Additionally, children should never be left in locked vehicles under any circumstances.