Dubai: Residents fasting during the summer should be aware of heat-related risks, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has cautioned.
The Authority’s Public Heath Department advocates the importance of heat stress management during the month of Ramadan to ensure one’s health and safety.
Dr Mohammad Wasif Alam, Director of Public Health and Safety, DHA, said people are at risk from heat illnesses while fasting, especially those who are working outdoors as they face high temperatures and high humidity levels. Exposure to hot and humid environment for long periods causes the body to produce certain signs and symptoms known as heat illness or heat stress.
“People need to be aware of this so they can take timely action. A person who suffers from heat stress is likely to have symptoms such as a heat rash, body aches, headaches, weakness, drowsiness and decrease in alertness,” he said, adding that in severe cases heat stress can cause unconsciousness, seizures and death.
He said, the best defence is to follow some basic preventative measures and to be aware of the dangers of long-term exposure to the sun while fasting.
Dr Lubna Al Shaali ofthe Public Health Department, DHA, said people should be aware of the risk factors that contribute to heat illnesses. She said these include high air temperature, heat waves, high humidity, low air movement, working in the sun for long periods of time without frequent breaks, breaking the fast with foods such as tea, coffee, and aerated drinks, and eating fatty and high salty food in excess as these foods can cause dehydration.
She said that skipping suhour and lack of sleep are major contributors that can lead to heat stress.
