Sun exposure isn’t harmful, but high temperatures are
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Monday March 18, 2024 06:00
According to Kenneth Photlokwe, an MSc in Medicine student at Wits University, South Africa and local health columnist, because the human body requires Vitamin D, being outside in the sun is not always detrimental.
He says research has shown that a daily dose of five to 30 minutes in the sun is enough to produce enough Vitamin D for an individual’s body. However, being overheated to the point where temperatures approach extremes can be harmful to one’s health.
“High temperatures can result in excessive sweating, which can lead to several symptoms like heat rash, cramping in the muscles, low blood pressure, dizziness, and a weak pulse from the loss of bodily fluids,” he told Mmegi.
“The longer one is exposed to extreme heat, the more chances of developing one or more of these symptoms.”
According to Photlokwe, the proper balance and dynamics of numerous physiological processes are necessary for the body to sustain a state of overall well-being. Individuals with pre-existing illnesses or underlying conditions already have compromised bodies, so adding more complications will not assist them in any way, he explained.
Photlokwe gave the example of a patient with hypertension who typically has higher blood pressure in colder weather due to constricted blood vessels. However, in warmer weather, blood pressure tends to decrease due to dilation of the blood vessels, which is beneficial for their condition.
“But this is not for extremely high temperatures where the drop in blood pressure becomes too sharp and sudden.
“Extreme heat can cause problems such as fainting, heart palpitations, exhaustion and so forth.”
Furthermore, he mentioned that high temperatures during pregnancy have been linked to birth abnormalities, preterm births, stillbirths, miscarriages, and low birth weight, particularly during the first trimester.
High temperatures also put the expectant mother in danger of conditions even worse than heatstroke. People with diabetes are also at risk when the mercury starts rising, Photlokwe said.
“Losing bodily fluids causes the blood glucose level to rise or increase, which can make their condition worse. “Therefore, in maintaining the proper glucose balance in their bloodstream, they must stay hydrated,” he said.
On how to minimise the effects of heatwaves on health, Photlokwe stated that avoiding direct sunlight and staying hydrated are the two main approaches.
He emphasised that the main cause of many problems caused by extreme heat is dehydration, and that if one does not hydrate their body, they will not be able to handle a heatwave.
“I recommend that people drink as much cool water as they can.
“If at all possible, stay away from drinking water that is too cold as this may cause your body to believe that you have had enough when in fact you have not.
“Aim for three litres of cool water per day. Drinking it out throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts at once is the ideal way to drink it,” he advised.
Photlokwe added that since some jobs necessitate working outside in the sun for extended periods, it is best to wear hats and long sleeves to protect against the intense heat of the sun. People in these situations should also avoid standing in hot, humid areas and instead move to shaded areas where the temperatures are cooler.