Quick Tips to Help Survive the Heat in Nigeria Right Now

Have you been feeling the heat more than usual lately? It’s not your imagination. Nigeria is going through an intense heat wave right now, with temperatures reaching as high as 42°C in some places. 

And it’s not just the sun, the humidity makes everything feel even hotter! So, how can you survive this crazy heat and stay safe? Here are some quick tips to help you beat the heat.

Keep your home coolThe first step to surviving this heat is keeping your home cool. During the day, make sure you close your curtains or blinds. This keeps the heat from coming in through the windows. At night, open your windows to let in the cooler air. If you have a fan or air conditioner, use them to keep your space cool. But if power is a problem, use any natural ventilation you can!

Stay hydratedOne of the best things you can do to protect yourself in this heat is drink plenty of water. You should drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Carry a water bottle with you when you go out, and try to avoid drinks like alcohol, caffeine, or sugary beverages, as they can make you feel more dehydrated.

Dress light and coolThe clothes you wear can make a big difference in how hot you feel. Choose light, loose-fitting clothes made from cotton or linen. These fabrics allow your body to breathe better and help keep you cool. Also, using cotton sheets when you sleep can help you stay comfortable throughout the night.

Limit time outsideThe sun is usually at its hottest between 11 AM and 4 PM, so if you don’t need to go outside, stay indoors during those hours. If you must go out, make sure you wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself. Try to find some shade whenever you can, and avoid any heavy physical activity in the sun.

Watch for warning signsSometimes, extreme heat can cause health problems. Be on the lookout for signs like dizziness, confusion, or nausea. These could be signs of heat exhaustion, which can turn serious if not treated quickly. If you start feeling any of these symptoms, it’s important to cool down and get medical help if necessary.

Carry a portable hand-fanWhen you’re outside or in a crowded place, a portable hand-fan can be a lifesaver. It helps you stay cool by improving airflow around you. These small fans are easy to carry and can make a big difference in staying comfortable on a hot day.

Who’s most at risk and how it affects your healthWhile everyone can feel the heat, some people are at higher risk. Infants, young children, elderly people, pregnant women, and anyone with chronic health problems like asthma or heart conditions need to be extra careful. Heat waves can be especially dangerous for these groups, so keep an eye on them and make sure they stay cool.

The heat can cause various health problems, especially if you’re not careful. Dehydration is common in hot weather and can make you feel weak, tired, or dizzy. Heat exhaustion is another concern, which can cause headaches, muscle cramps, or fatigue. 

In the worst case, heatstroke can occur, which is an emergency. It leads to high body temperature, confusion, and even unconsciousness. It’s important to know the signs and get help quickly.

Apart from dehydration and heatstroke, the hot weather also increases the risk of skin infections, rashes, and conditions like meningitis. The intense heat can affect people with existing health conditions, too, making problems like diabetes or kidney issues worse.

With the heat waves due to climate change, it’s important to take extra steps to protect yourself. Drink lots of water, stay in the shade, wear cool clothes, and keep your environment as comfortable as possible. 

With these simple tips, you can survive this heat wave and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and be careful out there!