For a considerable amount of time now, Nigeria has experienced extreme heat, and even during the rare instances when it does rain, the heat is still very high. In addition to making the body irritable, scientists claim that heat has some negative health effects. Heat can cause a variety of ailments, from minor ones like heat cramps to serious or even fatal ones like heat stroke. Dehydration, or the loss of bodily water, can also come from heat.
The average temperature in Nigeria is as predictable as the sun rising; it doesn’t care who you are—a child, a giant, a powerful person, or simply an average Joe—you are going to experience the heat. Nigeria’s tropical climate has a penchant for raising the temperature, subjecting everyone to a shared challenge against the blazing heat. It becomes a survival skill to deal with the heat, and it doesn’t matter your age, physical appearance, or social status—it’s a struggle we all share.
Living currently in Nigeria is like being in an endless sauna experience, but do not fret! We have some advice to help you remain composed and outsmart the scorching weather. It’s more than just staying hydrated, similar to a marathon runner at a pitstop, though being hydrated is important. It’s about turning yourself into a superhuman who can beat the heat.
When the heat becomes intense, it can make symptoms worse for people who already have heart-related or breathing problems.
Cardiomyopathy, a charity based in the UK, explains that this is because hot weather strains the heart to pump blood to the skin’s surface, which aids in sweating and helps the body cool down. The organisation claims that occasionally, this can make the heart work harder.
Here are some suggestions for enduring Nigeria’s scorching climate:
1. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration becomes a serious worry when exposed to extreme temperatures. Make sure you drink lots of water throughout the day to be well hydrated. Fruit juices and coconut water are also great choices to replace electrolytes lost via sweat.
2. Dress Lightly: You may significantly affect how cool your body stays by dressing in airy, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Light-colored materials reflect sunlight, thus reducing heat absorption.
3. Seek Shade: Try to avoid going outside or find cover when the sun is at its hottest, which is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You can protect yourself from the sun using trees, umbrellas, or even a wide-brimmed hat.
4. Cool Showers: Lowering your body temperature with a cool shower can assist. It is a useful method for cooling down and relieving heat-related discomfort.
5. Make Use of Fans and Air Conditioning: These are vital resources for controlling the heat. Ensure proper ventilation in all living areas, and think about running an air conditioner, particularly during peak daytime heat.
6. Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely:
When possible, plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. This minimizes exposure to the intense midday heat.
7. Eat Light: Opt for easily digestible, light, and refreshing meals. Add items high in water content to your diet, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and other fruits.
8. Remain Informed: Pay attention to weather reports to prepare for days that will be very hot. You can better plan and take the required safety measures by scheduling your activities around the predicted temperatures.
While the Nigerian heat can be challenging, adopting these practices can significantly improve your ability to withstand and thrive in hot weather. By staying hydrated, dressing appropriately, and strategically planning your activities, you can navigate the scorching temperatures with enhanced ease and comfort.
Sources
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/#:~:text=Tips%20for%20coping%20in%20hot%20weather&text=Cool%20yourself%20down.,temperature%20outside%20has%20gone%20down.
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/how-to-cope-and-stay-safe-in-extreme heat#:~:text=Keep%20cool%3A%20use%20air%20conditioning,outdoors%20or%20performing%20physical%20activity.
- https://punchng.com/seven-ways-to-cope-during-hot-weather/?amp
