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What is my Heat Health Risk?

Customized for residents of Beirut and Damascus

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Review the Latest Scientific Literature on Heat Health Risks

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    Preventative meassure's for common symptoms and diagnosis

    • AKI (Acute kidney injury)
      • drink water in a manner that prevents dehydration, by either drinking to thirst or drinking according to body mass loss when available,
    • CKD (chronic kidney disease)
      • 2. Fluid balance:
        - consum foods high in watter and drink water frequently throughtout the day to avoid becoming dehydrated, but dont ove consume to avoid fluid overload.
        - avoid icy beverages, which can cause stomach cramps.
        - avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol or ingesting large amounts of sugar, as these can cause your body to lose more fluid.
        - stay cool by wearing a hat or a wet bandana around your neck to help control your thirst.
        - carry a small spray bottle filled with lemon water or mouthwash to spray your mouth when you feel excessively thirsty.
        - Check with your nephrologist for guidance about your fluid intake during hot summer days and whether it should be adjusted to account for the rising temperatures.
      • 3. Wear sunglasses:
        - Sunglasses protect your eyes in the same way that sunscreen protects your skin from harmful sun damage.
        - Your sunglasses should block at least 99% of UVB rays and 50% of UVA rays.
        - Wraparound sunglasses and other styles that completely cover the eyes are best to avoid sun damage.
        - The last thing patients need is another health complication.
      • 4. Save your skin from sun exposure:
        - Every Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, and Kidney Transplant patients should wear sunscreen and apply it liberally.
        - Unprotected sun exposure can cause skin damage and, in some cases, may even lead to skin cancers. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
        - Remember to reapply your sunscreen every two hours and also right after swimming or exercising.
        - A water-resistant sunscreen will be less likely to come off if you swim or perspire.
        - You can also protect your skin by covering up with a shirt, wearing a hat, or sitting in the shade.
      • 5. Go outside. Get moving:
        - Morning or late afternoon sunny days of summer are great times to walk or enjoy a light exercise routine. Even if you feel tired at times, easy exercises may help you feel better. Please, check with your nephrologist before starting a summertime exercise routine.
        - Whether you're spending time outdoors with your family, caring for a loved one with a chronic condition, or working outdoors, it's essential to keep cool, keep a good fluid balance, and know the warning signs of heat-related illnesses.
        - Be sure to talk with your nephrologist before the summer season about other ways you can stay safe during the warm summer months.
    • Hay Fever
      • Keep windows closed during high pollen periods; use air conditioning in your home and car:
        - Summer heat is proven to circulate mold spores and pollen, making seasonal allergies worse.
        - tiny particles and items can cause discomfort for a lot of people.
        - When the air is warmer and more humid, it becomes easy for allergens to float from anywhere inside or outside your home
        - Use “mite-proof” bedding covers to limit exposure to dust mites and a dehumidifier to control mold. (If you smell mildew, you likely have mold).
      • Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to keep pollen out of your eyes.
      • Wash your hands after petting any animal, and have a nonallergic person help with pet grooming, preferably in a well-ventilated area or outside.
    • Heat Stroke
      • Get Plenty to Drink:
        - Sweating removes needed salt and minerals from the body. When it is hot, drink more water, juice and sports drinks. Avoid drinks with caffeine (tea, coffee, and cola) and alcohol.
      • Stay Cool Indoors:
        - The best way to beat the heat is to stay in an air conditioned area. If you don’t have an air conditioner, go to a shopping mall or public building for a few hours. A cool shower or bath is also a good way to cool off.
      • Wear Light Clothing and Sunscreen:
        - Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. - In the hot sun, a wide-brimmed hat will keep the head cool.
        - If you will be in direct sun, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and follow package directions. Reapply every 2 hours while in the sun.
      • Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully:
        - Try to be less active during the hottest part of the day, late afternoon. - If you must be out in the heat, plan your activities so that you are outdoors either before noon or in the evening.
        - While outdoors, rest often in a shady area. - Never leave kids or pets in a parked car.
    • Heat Illness
      • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing:
        - Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly.
      • Protect against sunburn:
        - Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself, so protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
      • Drink plenty of fluids:
        - Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain an average body temperature.
      • Drink plenty of fluids:
        - Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain an average body temperature.
      • Take extra precautions with certain medications:
        - Ask your health care team your medications can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.