As the summer season commences in the UAE, with temperatures soaring close to 50 °C, medical experts are advising the community to take necessary precautions to safeguard their health and well-being.
Essential Health and Safety Tips for the UAE Summer
The extreme heat and humidity pose significant health risks, including dehydration, heatstroke, exhaustion, and skin issues. Here are five essential tips to ensure you and your family stay healthy and safe during the hot weather:
1. Stay hydrated
An expert in pediatrics at M42's HealthPlus Family Clinics on Saadiyat Island, Dr. Carla Slaba, stresses the significance of staying hydrated. In particular, she says that people who spend a lot of time outside should drink eight glasses of water per day. Dr. Slaba stressed the need for water. If you want to stay cool and keep your body working correctly throughout the hot summer months, you must drink lots of water. Fatigue, vertigo, and heatstroke are all symptoms of dehydration. Motivate your loved ones to maintain a healthy water intake and to always have a refillable water bottle on hand.
2. Protect your skin
Sun exposure can be damaging to the skin, making sun protection a high priority. Dr. Slaba also warned about using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapplying it every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. and she also noted not to forget often-missed spots like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet, As Wearing hats, sunglasses, and light, long-sleeved clothing can also offer additional protection from harmful UV rays.
3. Plan activities Wisely
According to Dr. Slaba, the elderly and children are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. She suggests doing outside things in the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler. "When the weather gets hot, try to find a cool place to stay inside with air conditioning or seek shade," she said. To further aid in temperature regulation, dress in loose, breathable garments. To avoid overheating, it's recommended to take regular pauses while exercising outdoors.
4. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
Incorporating a variety of water-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet is another way to stay hydrated and healthy. Dr. Slaba suggests eating foods like watermelon, tomatoes, peaches, berries, and cauliflower. “These foods not only help keep you hydrated but also provide essential nutrients,” she said. She also stressed the importance of food safety, advising that all fruits and vegetables be washed thoroughly before consumption to prevent illnesses.
5. Ensure water safety
Spending time in the pool or at the beach is a great way to beat the heat, but water safety is paramount. Dr. Slaba urged parents and caretakers to never leave children unattended near water, even for a brief moment. She recommended using the summer break as an opportunity to enroll children in swimming lessons if they haven’t already learned to swim.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself and your family from the health risks associated with the UAE’s extreme summer temperatures. Staying hydrated, protecting your skin, planning activities wisely, eating fresh produce, and practicing water safety are all crucial steps to ensure a safe and healthy summer season.
