Heatwave: Kwara urges residents to drink more water, avoid outdoor activities

The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospitals Management Board, Dr Abdulraheem Malik,

The Kwara State Government has urged residents to drink sufficient water, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and reduce strenuous outdoor activities amid rising temperatures and the attendant health risks.

The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospitals Management Board, Dr Abdulraheem Malik, gave the advice while responding to enquiries by PUNCH Online on Sunday on measures being taken by the state to address health risks associated with rising temperatures.

Malik said the board was strengthening healthcare services and promoting preventive health practices to help residents cope with extreme heat and reduce the risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

He advised residents to wear light and breathable clothing, avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day and seek shade or stay in well-ventilated environments to minimise their exposure to excessive heat.

The executive secretary also urged residents to pay attention to early warning signs of heat-related illnesses, noting that dehydration could manifest through excessive thirst, dry mouth, dark-coloured urine and dizziness.

He said, “Heat exhaustion may cause heavy sweating, headaches, muscle cramps, nausea and weakness, while confusion, seizures, collapse or loss of consciousness may indicate heatstroke, which requires immediate emergency medical attention.”

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Malik stressed the need for residents to seek prompt medical attention whenever they notice symptoms associated with heat-related illnesses, particularly as delayed intervention could worsen their conditions.

He further identified children, older persons, pregnant women, outdoor workers and people with underlying health conditions as particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures.

“Families and caregivers should ensure that these individuals have access to drinking water and cooler, well-ventilated environments,” he advised.

The board also called for collaboration among relevant government agencies, local authorities and community stakeholders to improve access to safe drinking water and shaded spaces, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Malik said the board’s priority was to strengthen the capacity of government hospitals to provide appropriate care while encouraging residents to adopt preventive health practices and seek timely medical attention when symptoms of heat-related illnesses occurred.

He added that public health education through healthcare facilities remained an important component of efforts to prevent heat-related illnesses and protect residents during periods of extreme heat.