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Health Alert - increased heat conditions

Department of Health

High temperatures and increased heat conditions are forecast for the Top End in coming days.

NT Health encourages all residents and visitors to take appropriate precautions to avoid heat stress (also known as heat stroke) and dehydration.

“Even short periods of exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat stress, with an increase in body temperature, which can be a very serious or even fatal,” Chief Health Officer Dr Hugh Heggie said.

“Heat stress is not the same as dehydration. If you experience heat stress, the best way of reducing body temperature is cold or iced water and reducing physical activity.”

We encourage you to:
•    wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose clothes and a wide-brimmed hat
•    avoid strenuous activities
•    drink at least 3 litres of water per day, even if you’re not thirsty
•    maintain a healthy salt intake
•    avoid alcohol and hot or sugary drinks, including tea and coffee
•    spend as much time as possible indoors in air-conditioning
•    use fans and damp towels if you don’t have air-conditioning.

Symptoms of heat stress:
•    tiredness and lethargy
•    headache
•    dizziness or fainting
•    confusion leading to poor decision making
•    muscle cramps
•    feeling thirsty
•    urinating less often.

Please seek medical advice if you feel unwell. If your symptoms are serious, call triple zero (000) immediately. 

For more information visit: https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/health-conditions-treatments/heat-stress

Media contact: Sally Edwards 0427 596 954

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