Indonesian Ministry Gives Tips to Keep Healthy during Hot Weather

VIVA – The health ministry gave some tips on keeping the body healthy and fit for activities during the current hot weather hit Indonesia. 

"Indeed, the hot weather in these past few days in the coming days is unusual. Therefore, we will share tips to avoid the effects of hot weather, especially when we are outdoors," The ministry's spokesperson, Mohammad Syahril stated in Jakarta, on Tuesday. 

Dehydration due to hot weather, Syahril added could be prevented by drinking lots of water and people must not wait to get thirsty to drink water. 

Syahril also said that people should avoid caffeinated drinks, energy drinks, alcohol, and sweetened drinks, which can excessively increase stamina. 

"Also, avoid contact with direct sunlight and use a hat or umbrella when going outside," he informed. 

In addition, he advised the public to wear light and loose clothing. He said: "Avoid wearing dark clothes since they can absorb heat and please try to stay indoors between 11 (am) and 3 (pm),” 

Moreover, Syahril also encouraged the public not to leave anyone in parked vehicles, either with the windows open or closed.

"Use a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF on skin that is not covered by clothes before leaving the house and keep a spray bottle of cold water in the vehicle," he said.

According to him, the public must anticipate symptoms of dehydration, such as excessive sweating, hot and dry skin, palpitations or fast heartbeats, pale skin, cramps in the legs and abdomen, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, low output, and deep yellow color of urine.

"If these symptoms appear, cool the body with a wet cloth or wet sponge on the wrists, neck, and other body folds, and drink lots of water. If you still have symptoms, please immediately visit the nearest health facility to get treatment," he stated. 

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recently forecast unusually hot weather for Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.

Since 11 a.m. local time on Tuesday, the UV index in Indonesia has been mostly orange, red, and purple.

The orange scale color has a UV index of 6–7 with a high hazard risk. The red scale color has a UV index of 8–10 with a very high hazard risk. Meanwhile, the purple scale color has a UV index of more than 11 with a very extremely dangerous risk.