By Mutalib Jibril
Everyone coming to UDUS should have been informed about the current season, considering the prevailing hot weather in Sokoto and temperature is now over 40°c.
I can vividly recall that when I was told about the extreme weather conditions of Sokoto state, I thought it was just an overstatement of the truth. I actually thought it was just a kind of exaggeration, not until I was admitted into Usmanu Danfodiyo university, Sokoto.The reality dawned on me that it was nothing close to exaggeration.
Well, seeing is believing, as
the saying goes.
We’re warm blooded people, meaning our bodies are designed to operate within a range of temperature.
For many people, warm weather is a time for fun-filled activities, though the reverse is the case in the hot season.
During this hot weather season, some businesses come to an abrupt halt, while some experience a boom.
Without mincing , let’s get to know:
What Heat Does to the Body
People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to properly cool themselves.
Two of the most common heat-related conditions are: heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Heat stroke happens when the body fails to cool itself . Its temperature rises quickly and its natural cooling mechanism (sweat) fails.
Heat exhaustion happens when the body loses too much water or salt through excessive sweating.
Dehydration can also lead to kidney problems. As the body heats up, kidneys decrease their outflow of urine as blood flow decreases away from internal organs to the skin and body fluid secreted as sweat.
High heat can lead to heart attacks: High temperatures can strain the heart and lead to heart attacks , endangering people with heart problems.
Other heat-related illnesses include migraine , arthritis, cardiovascular diseases , meningitis,etc.
How to Prevent Health Related Illnesses
Precautionary measures against heat-related illnesses prevalent during hot season are as follows:
Drink water to stay adequately hydrated
Stay in an air-conditioned area . Open the windows for proper ventilation in the absence of fans and air-conditioners.
Take cool showers.
People should sleep in well ventilated rooms.