Doha, Qatar: MoPH and MoL Launch Heat Stress Awareness Campaign Amid Rising Temperatures
As summer sets in across Qatar, the government has ramped up efforts to protect the public from heat-related illnesses, both indoors and outdoors, while raising awareness through social media channels. With temperatures on the rise, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and the Ministry of Labour (MoL) have intensified their campaigns to educate people on heat stress prevention.
The Qatar Meteorology Department has forecasted a continuous rise in temperatures this week, ranging between 41 and 48 degrees Celsius across the country. In response, the MoPH and MoL have issued guidelines for managing heat stress.
Guidelines and Tips
The MoL shared on its X account practical tips for dealing with heat stress at work:
- Drink cool water every 15 minutes.
- Avoid tea, coffee, energy drinks, and soft drinks.
- Schedule more frequent breaks during work.
- Eat light and healthy meals.
The MoPH, also on its X account, emphasized the correlation between urine color and hydration levels:
- Dark yellow urine indicates immediate need for water.
- Light yellow urine suggests a need to drink more water.
- Normal urine color requires continued hydration.
Understanding Urine Color and Hydration
- Fully hydrated: Pale, odorless, and plentiful urine.
- Mild dehydration: Slightly darker yellow urine.
- Moderate dehydration: Medium-dark yellow urine.
- Severe dehydration: Dark, strong-smelling urine in small amounts.
However, the MoPH noted that certain foods, medicines, and vitamin supplements could alter urine color. It's important to use this as a guide and consult a health professional if there are concerns about urine color or dehydration.
Government Measures
To protect workers from heat stress, the government has banned outdoor work between 10 am and 3:30 pm from June 1, 2024, to September 15, 2024, as per Ministerial Resolution No. 17 of 2021.
Tips for Managing Heat
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water, juice, coconut water, and eat hydrating fruits to maintain fluid levels.
- Cold Showers: Opt for lukewarm showers rather than cold ones to cool your bloodstream effectively.
- Avoid Caffeine and Nicotine: These substances constrict blood vessels, raising body temperature and causing sweat.
- Eat Light Meals: Large meals increase core temperature, making you feel hot and lethargic. Choose light, freshly cooked meals and reduce processed and salty foods.
- Cool Your Toes: Soak your feet in cool water or wear wet socks to reduce body temperature.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing: Opt for loose, light-colored cotton clothes to stay cool and reduce sweating. Dark colors absorb more heat, making you feel hotter.
By following these guidelines and staying informed, individuals can better protect themselves from the heat and enjoy a healthier, safer summer in Qatar.
