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The human body can spontaneously regulate its internal temperature within safe limits. When we get hot, the temperature control centre inside our body will trigger responses, such as sweating and breathing more rapidly to cool us down. However, when the environment becomes extremely hot and spontaneous responses cannot effectively cool down our body, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke may occur.

The symptoms associated with heat exhaustion include giddiness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath and mental confusion. When the body temperature reaches 41 degrees C or higher, the sufferer may experience convulsions or become unconscious. This is known as heat stroke. The sufferer’s body temperature must immediately be brought down and first aid must be applied, otherwise the sufferer’s life will be in great danger. Children, the elderly, the obese and those with chronic illnesses (e.g. heart disease and high blood pressure) are especially vulnerable.

Apart from paying attention to the weather warnings issued by the Hong Kong Observatory,

Due to its sub-tropical climate, Hong Kong in summer is always hot and humid with temperatures often reaching or exceeding 31 degrees Celsius (C). This may result in people experiencing symptoms associated with heat stroke.

Prevention of heat stroke

adopting the following measures will protect you from heat stroke:

– Choose an indoor venue with good ventilation by opening all windows and using fans or air-conditioning. Avoid doing vigorous exercise in a hot or stuffy environment;

– Wear light-coloured, loose and air-permeable clothing to reduce heat absorption and promote heat loss from sweating;

– Do not engage in prolonged activities, such as hiking or trekking, in extremely hot weather, as heat, sweating and exhaustion place additional demands on one’s physique;

– Perform outdoor activities in the morning or evening, if possible;

– Bring and drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration;– Avoid drinks containing caffeine (e.g. coffee and

tea) or alcohol because these substances will speed up water loss from the body through the urinary system;

– Reschedule your work to cooler times of the day. If you must work in a hot environment, introduce shading in the work area where practicable, then start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Take breaks every now and then in a cool area to recharge yourself;

– Do not stay inside a parked vehicle;– Stop activity immediately and seek medical advice if

feeling unwell.

Department of Health

News from Civil Service Bureau

New Territories Families Clinic

The newly established New Territories Families Clinic has commenced service for civil service

eligible persons with effect from March 1, 2010. The new clinic is located at 1/F, Mrs Wu York Yu

Health Centre, 310 Wo Yi Hop Road, Lei Muk Shue, New Territories. Civil service eligible persons

may call 2422 7911 for enquiries or 2428 8309 to make an appointment. The location map and

details are available at http://www.dh.gov.hk/clinictimetable/fc.htm.