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Heat Waves and Health

By Dr Kim Loo

 

Vaping Concerns
BY DR KIM LOO

Heat waves in Australia are becoming more deadly. It is more than just a couple of hot days. We are having prolonged heat waves.

I have worked as a doctor for 35 years and seen my patients’ lives impacted. Worsening chronic disease and mental health during hot days. Especially those living with less advantage.

The Problem
More people die from heatwaves than all other natural disasters combined. The at-risk groups for death are the over 65s and men between the ages of 24 to 44. (the Australian Institute of health and welfare study 2024).

The three ways to die from heat – cardiovascular collapse, heat stroke or kidney failure. The mental health implication is also significant. A recent study from NSW University showed there is an increase suicidality in children and young adults (12 to 24) and an increase in domestic violence and hate speech during heat waves.

The NSW EPA (Environment Protection Authority) and the Australian College of Emergency Medicine recently published a study showing there is a 30 % rise in the number of hospital presentations during heatwaves.

The Solutions
Most of us feel more uncomfortable and a bit crankier on hot days. It can be exhausting especially if it is humid. So, what can we do?

  • Look at our own personal risk. It might require a chat with your GP if you are: taking multiple medications and have a chronic disease, over 65, pregnant, babies and young children, have a mental problem, and immobility
  • If you work outdoors. Find out if your workplace has a heat plan for hot days. There are many tradies who are at risk on hot days
  • Look ahead if there are hot days coming. Plan so that you have drinks and ice packs. Have an esky ready in case there is a power outage. Have cool foods so you are not heating the house with cooking. Make sure all electronic devices are charged
  • Choose a room that is easy to keep cool in your house. A room that you can protect from radiant heat, seal in the coolness, have a fan or air-conditioning
  • On a hot day. Try to stay indoors. If you do go out make sure to take adequate water, sunblock and hat.
  • For mothers with a baby in a stroller – buy an internal fan for the stroller or pram. Use a moist muslin cloth over the stroller. This reduces the internal temperature .

    What is needed?

  • Improve building codes to avoid building urban heat islands •• Improve green spaces with tree canopy and water – to reduce heat.

New Plan
The Greater Sydney Heat Smart City Plan has just been launched. It is a joint initiative of the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) and Resilient Sydney.

Chair, Kerry Robinson said: “Heat has killed more Australians than fire, flood and storms combined, and has far-reaching impacts on community wellbeing, the economy, infrastructure, and the environment.

“It has been estimated that the cost of heatwaves in Western Sydney alone is $1.4 billion per year and growing. These costs impact businesses, households and government services. We can’t afford not to act,” he said.

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