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Even the staunchest non-believers of climate change may be in for a change of heart as record high temperatures dawn on several regions around the world.
Parts of North America, for one, have recorded an unprecedented rise in temperature. While the mercury almost touched fifty degree Celsius in Canada’s British Columbia in June-end, US’ Seattle city hit a temperature of thirty eight degree Celsius.
So far, British Columbia is believed to have registered about 486 deaths in the last week of June. Lytton, a small neighborhood in the province, has been breaking successive Canadian heat spike records. Things got even worse when explosive wildfires hit the town on the evening of June 30, triggering Mayor Jan Polderman to issue an evacuation order.
The death toll in Western US’ Oregon, on the other hand, reportedly reached 79 as on July 1.
The heatwave alert remained in effect for certain regions in Northwest and Western Canada as the month of July began. Weather experts have been blaming high pressure over north-western US and Canada for the persistent heatwave.
These unnatural temperature spike stand as evidence to the fact that global warming is no joke. As governments look into long-term solution programs, here are a few things you can do to tackle the heat in the best possible manner.
Water is your best friend
Water is the best and easiest resource available to maintain your health amid crippling heatwaves. People of all ages should not only hydrate as much as possible, but could also drench their hands, face, neck and feet whenever possible to keep heat from inflicting thermal strain on body.
The bathtub method
Some experts suggest that one way to beat the heat is to immerse yourself in a tub filled halfway with normal water that’s about thirty eight degree Celsius warm. Once in, run cold water and fill the tub to full capacity. This, experts say, helps your body cool down.
In case you don’t have a tub, a spray bottle to sprinkle cold water on your face and exposed skin is also a helpful method.
Do bear in mind, however, not to waste water amid such weather conditions.
Stay near fans & ACs
Fans can help in evaporative cooling, although they should be place in the right direction to avoid causing any irritation or respiratory issues.
Air conditioning, of course, can bring a lot of comfort. Some experts, however, suggest keeping the temperature at about twenty eight degree Celsius as going anywhere below twenty degree Celsius is not an efficient use of power.
Source: Pixabay
Stay indoors
It is advisable to limit your outdoor activities, preferably to after-sunset hours.
It would also be best for your body to refrain from strenuous activities or workouts, especially at noon, when the temperature is at its hottest.
It is crucial to ensure that kids and pets are not left out in the sun, especially in cars, for far too long, as the consequences can be dire.
What you wear matters
Wearing light and loose clothing, preferably in lighter shades, help in avoiding excessive heating of the body and skin irritation during extreme heat conditions.
Sunscreens, mind you, are not a part of makeup, and must be applied by all. Even the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) recommends it! Do ensure the right quantity and grade with a professional, and in case of a skin condition, cross-check with your doctor.
Above all, ensure your health is okay
Heat-related illnesses can become a point of concern if we miss to handle things properly.
Hundreds are known to succumb to extreme high temperatures in the US. For Canada, in just British Columbia alone, an average of 165 reportedly die due to the heat every year.
Such frightening figures, which have more than doubled this year amid the record high temperatures, point that we need to do more to ensure good health during summers.
