Hot weather negatively impacts community life. Photo: Provided.

Hot weather, in the context of increasingly evident climate change, not only causes discomfort but also seriously impacts human health. When ambient temperatures rise, the body is forced to work harder to maintain a stable body temperature, leading to a range of physiological disorders.

One of the most noticeable harmful effects of hot weather is dehydration. Under intense heat, the body sweats profusely to cool down, leading to a significant loss of water and electrolytes. If not replenished promptly, this can cause fatigue, dizziness, low blood pressure, and even fainting. In more severe cases, heatstroke can occur when body temperature rises beyond control, causing altered consciousness, brain damage, and life-threatening conditions.

Furthermore, hot weather increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. When temperatures are high, the heart has to work harder to pump blood to the skin to cool it down, which puts a great deal of pressure on the cardiovascular system, especially in the elderly or those with underlying conditions such as high blood pressure or coronary artery disease.

Furthermore, high temperatures can increase blood viscosity, leading to a higher risk of blood clot formation. In addition, the respiratory system is also affected, as hot air is often accompanied by pollution and fine dust, increasing the risk of pneumonia, asthma, or other chronic respiratory diseases.

The skin is the organ most directly exposed to sunlight, making it the most susceptible to damage. Ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight can cause sunburn, premature aging, and increase the risk of skin cancer. People who work outdoors for long periods in hot, sunny weather often have dark, dry skin, wrinkles, and pigmentation spots. Furthermore, intense sunlight can affect the eyes, causing dry eyes, conjunctivitis, or retinal damage if not properly protected.

What are the health consequences for people exposed to hot weather? According to Dr. Mai Van Minh, a specialist in internal medicine: “Patients often experience fatigue, headaches, nausea, excessive sweating, and low blood pressure. Continued exposure to high temperatures can lead to heatstroke. Hot weather causes dehydration through sweat; if fluids and minerals are not adequately replenished, patients may experience muscle cramps, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and even fainting. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable groups.”

To minimize the risks posed by hot weather, everyone should proactively adjust their lifestyle habits. Drinking enough water is paramount. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink; instead, replenish fluids regularly throughout the day, possibly by combining it with electrolyte drinks to replenish minerals.

In addition, diet should also be emphasized, prioritizing water-rich foods such as green vegetables and fruits, and limiting fatty foods and stimulants such as alcohol and coffee, as these can cause the body to dehydrate more quickly.

In addition, choosing appropriate clothing also helps reduce the impact of hot weather. Loose, breathable, light-colored clothing should be worn to minimize heat absorption. When going outside, protective measures such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen should be used to minimize the harmful effects of UV rays.

At the same time, you should limit going outside during the hottest hours of the day, usually from 10 am to 4 pm. If you must go outside, find ways to rest intermittently in shady or cool places.

For those who frequently work outdoors, such as farmers, construction workers, and street vendors, coping with the heat becomes even more important and needs to be done scientifically. First, it is necessary to arrange work hours appropriately, prioritizing working early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak temperatures.

During work, it's necessary to break up work time into smaller segments and take regular breaks to allow the body time to recover. Carrying plenty of water and replenishing it regularly is essential; don't be complacent just because you don't feel thirsty.

In particular, outdoor workers need to be fully equipped with protective gear such as hats, neck scarves, sun-protective clothing, and eye protection. These items not only help reduce heat but also protect the body from the direct harmful effects of sunlight.

If symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, or unusually hot and red skin appear, stop working immediately, move to a cool place, drink water, and seek medical attention if necessary. Early recognition of the signs of heatstroke can help avoid serious consequences.