As temperatures rise across many parts of the country and heat stress intensifies, Mehr News Agency reports that health, safety and environmental requirements in workplaces, operational settings and outdoor environments are becoming increasingly important. The Director-General of the Ministry of Health's Community Nutrition Improvement Office has warned of the growing risk of heat illness, emphasizing regular water intake, replacement of lost electrolytes and preventive measures.
Ahmad Esmaeilzadeh said that workers in construction, industry, municipal services, agriculture and transport, as well as people whose jobs or sporting activities expose them to direct sunlight for long periods, face a greater risk. In hot environments, sweating causes the body to lose substantial amounts of water and important salts such as sodium and potassium. If these losses are not replaced promptly, headaches, dizziness, nausea, low blood pressure, weakness, lethargy and muscle cramps become more likely.
He described frequent water intake as the main preventive measure. People working in hot conditions should always have enough drinking water available and drink at short intervals, even before feeling thirsty. He said that, in some circumstances, adding a little honey and a very small quantity of salt to water can supply some of the body's sugar and sodium requirements; plain water nevertheless remains the best option for preventing dehydration.
Discussing nutrition, he recommended water-rich fruit and vegetables such as watermelon, cantaloupe, melon, tomatoes, lettuce and carrots during hot weather. These foods contribute water, salts and vitamins, but should complement sufficient fluid intake rather than replace drinking water.
He also recommended light, water-rich meals such as soup, ash and chilled yogurt-and-cucumber soup. Clothing matters too: light-colored, breathable cotton clothes, avoiding dark clothing, and wearing a hat outdoors can reduce heat absorption and provide protection from direct sunlight.
Esmaeilzadeh warned of serious complications. Anyone showing severe lethargy, headache, dizziness, nausea, pallor, marked weakness or muscle cramps should be moved to a cool, shaded place as quickly as possible, with emergency services contacted when needed. If the person is conscious, water, fruit juice or oral rehydration solution may be offered while awaiting assistance. If consciousness is impaired, no fluids or food should be given.
He added that humid regions carry greater risk because high humidity reduces the body's ability to cool itself through sweating. People traveling or deployed for work from cooler regions to hot areas should take particular care because they may not yet be acclimatized.
Source links: www.mehrnews.com
Original publication date (Solar Hijri): 1405/04/07
Author: Dibagostaran Sanat