Department of Health
THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH:
Headed by Secretary CLEMENT TOTAVUN under the ministerial leadership of Honorable DENNIS LOKONAI , Member for Bolave Constituency, ABG Minister for Health. Its mandate is focused on:
- Public Health
- Health policy, planning and procurement
- Community health services
- Clinical health services
05 January 2024
HEAT WAVES ADVISORY
The National Weather Service of Papua New Guinea has reported solar flares caused by implosions on the sun’s surface which creates heat waves currently being experienced around the globe.
When exposed to these heat waves, it can result heat-related emergencies, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
To minimize the impact during the heat wave, you can take the following measures:
- Stay hydrated and cool
- Drink plenty of cool fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty, and check in with children and the elderly to make sure they are drinking regularly.
- Avoid caffeine, carbonated soft drinks and alcohol because they can cause dehydration, which stops your body from controlling its temperature properly
- Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day (typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.).
- Dress for the heat and for your activity level:
- Wear light, loose clothing to let air circulate and heat escape.
- Always wear a hat and apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher before going outside.
- Slow down your activities as it gets hotter. Move indoors and don’t work, exercise, or play outside for an extended period of time.
- Take frequent breaks in a cool or shady area
- Check on your pets and animals frequently – make sure their needs for water and shade are met.
- Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
- Anyone who experiences a sunburn should immediately move out of the sun, move to a cool area and consume extra fluids for the days following.
- A severe sunburn may require medical attention if it results in display blisters, facial swelling, nausea, fever or severe chills, rapid pulse or breathing, signs of dehydration, etc.
- Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke, can happen to anyone who stays in the heat and sun for too long.
- Watch for symptoms of heat illness, such as: Dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, rapid breathing and heartbeat, extreme thirst, decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine, changes of behavior in children.
Authorized by:
Clement Totavun, Secretary
ABG Department of Health
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