By Correspondent in Lokoja.
Many residents of Lokoja, Kogi State capital, groaning under the yoke of terrible heat in the area,say they have been forced to choose between getting choked by heat or leave their rooms to receive fresh air amid biting mosquito in a bid to avert heat related diseases.
Our Correspondent in Lokoja reports on Friday that, it is not easy with the residents as they have to manage to cope with intensive heat amid inadequateelectricity supply to activate cooling systems such as ceiling fans and air-conditioners.
Residents of Ganaja/Gadumo and other areas in the state capital, who spoke with our Correspondent in separate interview, expressed concern that in spite the fact that they need public light to use their cooling systems, such as standing or ceiling fans to ease the effect of heat, it is a disappointing story.
“For most of us living in Lokoja, heat remains one of the huge atmospheric night mares confronting us at this period of the year. Natural as the heat and its effects may look,we need adequate supply of electricity to activate our fans and air-conditioners to ease the effects of heat.
“The current distribution of electricity,where by light is always go off around 1 p.m in the night, when we need energy most to power our fans and air-conditioners,to ease the effect of heat, leaves much to be desired.
“In recent time, once it is one or two in the night,AEDC off the light in this area, leaving us with the option of embarking on aggressive hand fanning or jump out of our houses to receive fresh air outside our rooms at the expense of falling into the waiting hand of mosquito.
“The problem is further compounded by the inability to buy fuel to activate generating set, due to fuel scarcity still rearing its ugly head in Lokoja and its environs.
“This is not to talk of the security risk involved,”Mal. Idi Abdullahi of Gadumo village said in an interview with The Reporters.
Another resident of the area,Miss Abigail Ajiboye, called on the state government to embark on vaccination of the people against heat and its health implications.
“In the years past, we used to have a situation whereby government vaccinated people against heat related diseases, such as rashes, spiramigitis,among others,occasioned by heat. Such effort can be reintroduced by the state Ministry of Health to safe us from experiencing such diseases, she urged.
Meanwhile, health experts have advised the people on a number of tips to adopt to avert heat related diseases. They include: constant water consumption and bathing,
Clothing: Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Stay Cool Indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
Keep in mind: Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.
Pace Yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
Wear Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.
Tip: Look for sunscreens that say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels- these products work best.
Do Not Leave Children in Cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of getting a heat stroke or dying. When traveling with children, remember to do the following:
Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
To remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver.
When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.
Avoid Hot and Heavy Meals: They add heat to your body!
weather.com, in its weather analysis of Friday( March 25), Lokoja has day of 39oc and a night of 26oc with humidity of 77%, dew point,24oc, pressure,1,010 mBar and visibility,14km among other conditions.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
