Extreme Heat: 8 Best Ways Nigerians Can Protect Themselves as Health Risks Rise
As Nigeria approaches the dry season, rising temperatures are raising concerns about public health, with medical experts warning that prolonged exposure to extreme heat could increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and kidney complications.
The warning comes amid growing concerns about unusually high temperatures expected across parts of the country in the coming months.
The Lagos State Government recently advised residents to take preventive measures against possible extreme heat, particularly as changing weather conditions and the transition into the dry season could worsen heat discomfort.
The government urged residents to drink water regularly, wear lightweight clothing, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and reduce strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest periods of the day.
How Extreme Heat Affects the Body
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), excessive heat places additional pressure on the human body as it attempts to maintain a normal internal temperature.
Prolonged exposure can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion, while severe cases can develop into heatstroke, a potentially life-threatening medical emergency.
Extreme heat can also worsen existing health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, diabetes and kidney disease.
People who sweat excessively without replacing lost fluids may become dehydrated, while severe heat stress can increase the risk of acute kidney injury.
Eight Ways to Protect Yourself
To reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, Nigerians are encouraged to adopt the following precautions:
1. Drink Water Regularly: Take water throughout the day, even when you do not feel thirsty, particularly when spending time outdoors or engaging in physical activities.
2. Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Direct Sunlight: Limit unnecessary outdoor activities during the hottest periods of the day. Seek shade whenever possible.
3. Wear Lightweight Clothing: Choose loose-fitting, breathable and preferably light-coloured clothes to help the body remain comfortable.
4. Maintain Proper Ventilation: Keep living and working spaces adequately ventilated. Spend time in cooler environments whenever possible.
5. Reduce Strenuous Activities: Avoid excessive physical exertion under intense sunlight. Where possible, schedule outdoor work and exercise for cooler periods.
6. Pay Attention to Children and Older Adults: Young children, older persons, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions require additional protection against excessive heat.
7. Take Regular Breaks: People working outdoors, including traders, construction workers, farmers, security personnel and traffic officers, should take breaks in shaded or cooler locations.
8. Check on Vulnerable People: Look out for elderly relatives, neighbours and individuals who may struggle to access drinking water or cooler environments.
Know the Warning Signs
Recognising the symptoms of heat-related illnesses can help prevent complications.
Dehydration may present through excessive thirst, dark-coloured urine, dizziness, tiredness and reduced urination.
Heat exhaustion may cause heavy sweating, headache, nausea, weakness and dizziness.
However, heatstroke requires immediate medical attention. Warning signs include confusion, seizures, collapse and loss of consciousness.
Anyone suspected of experiencing heatstroke should receive emergency medical assistance immediately. Move the person to a cooler place, begin rapid cooling with cool water or wet cloths, and do not give them anything to drink if they are unconscious or unable to swallow safely.
A Shared Responsibility
Protecting people against extreme heat requires more than individual precautions.
Schools, workplaces, markets and other public spaces should prioritise access to clean drinking water, adequate ventilation and shaded resting areas.
Parents and guardians should also ensure that children are not left inside parked vehicles, where temperatures can rise dangerously quickly.
As temperatures fluctuate across the country, Nigerians are encouraged to pay attention to official weather advisories and take preventive measures rather than wait until symptoms develop.
Staying hydrated, recognising early warning signs and responding promptly to heat-related emergencies could help prevent avoidable illnesses and save lives.
