Published 20 May 2024
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
FOR IMMEDIATE DISSEMINATION
May 20th, 2024
Rising Temperatures Pose Health Risks: Urgent Public Advisory Issued
St. Kitts Meteorological Services confirms that the temperatures registered over the past
two consecutive days exceeded the heat wave threshold of 31.7 degrees Celsius (89.06*F).
– May 18, 2024, the maximum temperature registered was 31.8 degrees C (89.24*F).
– May 19, 2024, the maximum temperature registered was 32.4 degrees C (90.32*F).
This trend in high atmospheric temperatures is expected to continue over the summer months and the office of the Chief Medical Officer emphasizes the importance of taking immediate precautions to protect against the adverse effects of these high atmospheric temperatures.
Health tips to protect against the adverse effects of hot temperatures include:
• Stay indoors as much as possible especially between 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
• If you must be outside wear appropriate protective gear like a hat and appropriate sunscreen.
• Adequate hydration
• Persons who provide care to older adults should ensure that their environment is well ventilated and cool during the daytime and nighttime and that the receive adequate amount of water.
• Wear light and loose-fitting clothing.
• Limit physical activity and exercise to cooler hours of the day.
• Take cool showers.
• Schedule cooking times for cooler hours of the day.
• Check in on older more vulnerable friends and neighbors.
2 • Monitor the weather forecast and temperatures daily and schedule activities for the coolest hours of the day.
“The recent surge in temperatures presents a significant risk to public health, particularly for the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions,” states Dr.
Hazel Laws, Chief Medical Officer. “It is crucial that we all take these warnings seriously and follow the recommended precautions to ensure our safety and the safety of our communities during this period of excessive heat. Let us collectively monitor the vulnerable persons in our social network and in our communities.”
The Ministry of Health through the Office of the Chief Medical Officer will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary. We urge the public to stay informed and adhere to the guidelines issued for their well-being.
Let us collaborate to ensure the well-being of our people as we navigate these extreme temperatures and effects of climate change.
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Please share this information widely to help ensure the community is aware and prepared to take appropriate actions during this period of high temperatures.
Office of the Chief Medical Officer
