Hot weather: Avoid hot beverages, intense physical exercises

Members of the public are advised to avoid consuming hot beverages and engaging in intense physical exercises to reduce the risk of suffering from heatstroke due to the current extreme hot weather.

Universiti Sains Malaysia Sejahtera Centre director Dr Normala Abdul Wahid said caffeinated and alcoholic drinks should also be avoided.

"Do not be exposed under the scorching sun between 11 am and 3 pm, but if inevitable, do walk in the shade, wear sunscreen, a hat or a scarf.

"If experiencing frequent urination and the urine colour is dark, this indicates dehydration and the person should drink more water," she said in a statement here Thursday.

She said among the heat-related illness were hyperthermia, heat edema, heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and fainting.

Dr Normala said those suffering from heatstroke should be first removed from the hot environment into a shady area before removing as much of the patient's outer clothing as possible.

"Wipe the patient's body with wet towel, put ice packs in the armpits, groin, neck and back of the victim because these areas are rich in blood vessels and these methods can reduce the body temperature more quickly," she said.

If necessary, she said the patient could also soak in a tub of water to quickly reduce body temperature.