Staying Healthy Australia

Dealing with the heat in Australia

Australia experiences very hot weather throughout the year in the northern territory. For the rest of the country, high temperatures are experienced during summer. If coming from a climate that is much cooler, it is important to keep in mind that around two weeks are required for acclimatization to take place.  Before this happens a lot of salt is lost through excessive sweating. It is therefore advisable to increase the intake of salt during this period. Following are some of the conditions that can develop owing to heat exposure.

Heat exhaustion

This happens when the intake of fluid does not keep up with rate at which it is being lost mainly through perspiration. Some of the symptoms include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Pale skin that is cool and clammy
• Fainting

When this happens resting in a cool shady place is recommended. Also, water or even dilute sports drinks should be taken in plenty.

Heat stroke

This is an illness caused by severe heat which causes fluid depletion. It is a real medical emergency whereby the brain is over heated making one suffer hallucinations, disorientation or even seizures. Heat stroke can be prevented by taking sufficient amounts of fluids that maintain the passing of urine that is copious and clear more so at times of physical exertion.

There have been reports of deaths related to dehydration of ill prepared travellers in outback Australia. Following some rules as stated below can prevent this.

• Have sufficient water for every trip. Include extra just in case the vehicle breaks down.
• Make sure that you inform someone of your trip including the expected time of arrival.
• Carry with you some communication equipment.
• Instead of walking to get help it is advisable to stay with your vehicle.

Hypothermia

During winter hypothermia poses significant risk especially in the southern Australia. Strong winds are responsible for the high chill factor which can lead to hypothermia even though the temperatures are moderately cool. Early signs are characterized by:

• Difficulty in performing fine movements like buttoning up
• Having shivers

Treatment involves getting out of the cold and removing wet clothing if any replacing it with dry clothes that have wind and water proof layers. Insulation should be added and water with carbohydrates (glucose/sugar) should be taken so as to encourage shivering which in turn builds up internal temperature.
In cases of severe hypothermia, shivering stops. This becomes a medical emergency that requires medical attention.

Tips on protecting yourself from insect borne illnesses

Because various insects can be the carriers of specific diseases you can protect yourself from them in the following ways:

• Putting on loose fitting long sleeved clothes.
• Applying an insect repelling lotion on exposed skin.
• Treating clothes with an insecticide known as permethrin which is effective in killing insects but safe for human beings.

Safety at the beach

Australia has very good locations for surfing that are mainly on the western, eastern and the southern coasts. Because beaches have different underwater conditions, conditions may change resulting in powerful surfs. It is recommended that you check with life saving groups located in a particular place before engaging in water activities. Also be aware of your own limitations in reference to swimming and surfing skills.


Skin care

One of the countries that have the highest rates of cancer of the skin is Australia. With this in mind you should pay attention to the extent to which you allow direct sunlight exposure on your skin. The greatest exposure of ultra violet rays occurs between 10am and four in the afternoon. Skin exposure should be avoided at these times. A 30+ sunscreen is effective in protecting the skin from the sun. It should be applied thirty minutes before exposure to the sun then reapplied regularly to ensure that any damage to the skin is minimal.