Tips for Dealing with Hot Weather, Reduce Cold Drinks for Body Hydration

Hot Waves (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The phenomenon of a heat wave that has hit Asian countries with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius makes the body uncomfortable. In Indonesia, the average temperature is up to 33 degrees Celsius. Even though it is the lowest, we hope that this heat wave phenomenon will not have a significant impact.

To reduce the impact or risk of the current heat wave, taking vitamins is necessary to increase endurance. The North Sumatra Health Office (Dinkes Sumut) Dr. Yulia Mariani reminded the public to reduce their intake of cold liquids, including drinking water, when the weather is hot.

"Our body temperature is in the range of 36 degrees Celsius. So, when cold water is put in, it's like hot lead poured over water. Not all human bodies can accept that," said Head of the North Sumatra Health Service's Primary Services Section Dr. Yulia Mariani as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, April 27.

According to Yulia, if you really want to eat cold drinks, the liquid should have a temperature not less than room temperature, which is 20-25 degrees Celsius.

Even so, he still recommends that people consume lots of drinking water during hot weather.

The BMKG recorded daily temperature increases in several regions in Indonesia, including North Sumatra.

In the period April 11-20 2023, for example, hot temperatures in the range of 36 degrees Celsius were found in several BMKG work units, one of which was the Deli Serdang Geophysics Station with a temperature of 36.2 degrees Celsius.

"For adults, you have to be able to regulate your drinking intake so you don't get less. However, for children you have to be helped and constantly reminded," said Yulia.

He continued, in a tropical country like Indonesia, high temperatures can actually cause upper respiratory infections (ARI) because the air tends to be humid.

"Damp tropical areas can cause flu, cough and runny nose which can turn into ISPA. If that's the case, you should get medical care," said Yulia.

The Head of the North Sumatra Health Office of Health Services Drg Sumihar added, to anticipate the effects of hot temperatures, people must maintain their immune system by taking vitamins.

Then, people must be able to assess the condition of their own bodies. If the throat feels dry, drink more. For example, it continues with worse symptoms, for example fever, seek treatment immediately.