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| Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana |
…emphasises social distancing
By JOE Hemba
Yobe State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana has dropped hints on the management of the emerging heat wave and increasing temperature in the state ahead of the Ramadan period.
The commissioner in a press statement circulated by the Director General Press and Information Affairs to Gov. Mai Mala Buni, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed said the intensity of the heat occasioned by the high rise in temperature from the month of march to May is of great concern to the State.
He also noted that because of the COVID 19 pandemic, people need to avoid over-crowded areas to stop the spread of the virus and other disease such as meningitis and diarrhea.
“Recently, there has been an increase in environmental temperature. The very high temperature and intensive heat is of great concern because it can have adverse effect on health. The environmental temperatures in Yobe State can rise up to 45 degrees centigrade and above, especially within the months of March and May before the onset of the rainy season.
“With the current weather situation it is expected that the month of Ramadan for this year 1442 AH (2021 AD) will be during hot weather. Therefore it has becomes necessary to remind people about THE EFFECT OF HEAT ON HEALTH,” the commissioner said.
The commissioner in his statement advised residents to follow the underlisted steps to manage themselves during the heat period.
He said: “The general public is herby advised to adopt safeguard measures against the heat wave (hot season) being experienced in the state. Some of these measures include the following: -
· Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes.
· Stay under tree shades and environments with a lot of ventilation where the temperature is low and cool.
· Reduce exercise when the weather is hot. “If you are not used to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually.
· If walking or exercising in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, you should stop it.
· Get into a cool area or into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
· Parents should not to leave children or pets in the car.
- Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window open.
- While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children and pets are especially at risk of getting a heat stroke or dying.
· Avoid hot and heavy meals as they add heat to the body,
· Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and more fluids generally.
· Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are.
· Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink
· Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks. These actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
· Avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
· Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
· Limit your outdoor activity to when the environmental temperature is coolest.
· During the Ramadan fasting:
- Try to restrict activities to early mornings and late evenings when the temperature cools off.
- Drink plenty of fluids after ‘iftar’ (evening meal) and at ‘sahur'(early morning meal)
- Take more fruits and vegetables.
· Obese and those having background illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, heart and respiratory diseases are advised to be particularly more careful.
He also advised those that cannot fast because of health challenges during the Ramadan to seek medical advice from their doctors
“I wish to use this medium to call on all people that are eligible to fast to take responsibility for their health and avoid exposure too the hot weather conditions and ensure adequate hydration and healthy nutrition always and especially during the Ramadan so that they can pass through the fasting period safely and healthy.
“Those that are exempted from fasting on health grounds should also see their doctors and be guided accordingly.
“It is also very important to avoid overcrowding, practice social distancing, ensure adequate ventilation and frequent hand washing with soap and running water to avoid disease outbreaks such as meningitis, diarrohea disease and also help in breaking the transmission of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” he advised.
He called on the media to use their platforms and adequately educate the people against exposure to excessive heat.
“I hereby challenge media actors to use their platforms to inform and educate the public about the dangers of excessive exposure to high temperatures and the hot sun and how to avoid it
I also urge all health sector partners to continue to bring their full expertise to support the Government in Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response and Active Case Search for early detection and reporting of any of the priority epidemic prone diseases and providing lifesaving messages at the mass and household levels on disease prevention and control,” he said.
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