Extreme heat can worsen chronic diseases: health experts warn

Colombo, April 2 (Daily Mirror) - The prevailing heat condition must not be neglected by the people specially by those who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases and cancers as their health condition may worsen and even cause death, a health expert said yesterday.

Consultant-Community Physician of the Ministry of Health Dr. Inoka Suraweera told a news conference at the Health Promotion Bureau that exposure to extreme heat can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even strokes which are fatal.

She said people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, kidney diseases and cancers must be extra cautious as their health conditions may worsen due to the extreme heat and even result in death.

She said people working outdoors such as farmers and construction workers must also be alert and said that they should drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, coffee and sweetened beverages.

Director of the Environmental, Occupational, Health and Food Safety Unit at the Health Ministry Dr. Chandani Withana said it is better to drink electrolyte drinks such as Coconut water, king coconut, lime, orange or mandarin juice and eat cucumber and watermelon.

She said it is advisable not to go outdoors between 11 am and 4 pm and that it is better to wear light-coloured cotton or cotton-mixed clothes and take an umbrella or hat when going outdoors.