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Only 25% of older Queenslanders are aware of the risks heatwaves pose to their health, new research shows

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Parts of Australia are currently struggling extreme heatand high temperatures will proceed in the coming days.

While it’s unclear what exactly the upcoming summer will bring, climate change does mean Australian summer they are getting hotter. Even this 12 months, temperatures in August reached around 40°C in some parts of the country.

Heatwaves aren’t just unpleasant – they may be deadly. Extreme heat-related health crises are placing significant strain on our health care systems, and data shows they are increasing calling an ambulance AND hospital presentations during these periods.

While heatwaves can affect anyone, older people are particularly in danger. But ours new research found that older Queenslanders don’t necessarily imagine that heat poses a risk to their health. And this affects how they respond to emergency warnings.

Older people and warmth

Aging causes physiological changes, including reduced ability to work regulate body temperaturewhich may put older people at increased risk of problems akin to heat exhaustion and warmth stroke.

Exposure to heat can as well worsen symptoms existing conditions, akin to heart, lung or kidney disease, which are more common in older people.

There is a risk even clearer for older individuals who live in substandard housing, are in an economically disadvantaged situation or are socially isolated.

Report from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that of the 2,150 hospitalizations due to extreme heat in 2019–2022, 37% were in people aged 65 and over (which constitute approximately 16% of the population).

There is subsequently an urgent need to prioritize the health of older Australians, and the country is preparing for this more intense and long-lasting heatwaves in the future.

When it’s hot, older people are at greater risk of health complications.
Klebera Cordeiro/Shutterstock

Early warning systems

As we’ve learned more about the dangers of heatwaves, there was greater emphasis on developing population-based early warning systems. These systems play a key role in encouraging people to adopt heat-protective behaviors, akin to staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous physical activity in high temperatures, and wearing loose or lightweight clothing.

Queensland is one of the best in the world the most vulnerable regions for warmth waves. Since 2015, heat wave warnings have been part of the state’s warnings heatwave subplanwhich identifies strategies to manage and mitigate the effects of extreme heat.

These warnings include notices of upcoming high temperatures and advice to stay calm. They appear as notifications via the Bureau of Meteorology’s weather app, media or social media. However, it shouldn’t be clear whether these warnings reach those most in danger.

As part A wider project about extreme heat and the elderly – we conducted a survey 547 Queenslanders aged 65 and over to understand their perception of heat risks and whether or not they are receiving heatwave warnings.

We also wanted to understand what aspects influence how people receive and respond to warnings to understand how we will improve heatwave warnings for this group.

What we found

Only 25% of respondents were aware of the potential consequences of heat waves on their health. The majority of participants (80%) perceived themselves as being at lower risk compared to others in their age group. That’s right previous research on thermal health Which found similarly often older people do not feel warm as a private risk.

Although the majority of the sample (87%) reported affected by a number of chronic diseases, 30% didn’t realize that having a chronic disease increases their vulnerability to heatwaves.

Several cultural and private aspects may explain why older people don’t imagine that heat poses a threat to them. In Australia, heat is normally perceived as normal, even positive part of life. Heat advisories are often less urgent than warnings about other natural disasters.

Elderly woman outdoors using a fan.
Previous research has also shown that older people don’t think that heat poses a risk to their health.
Miguel AF/Shutterstock

We also found that just about half of respondents had not heard the heatwave warning. Of those that did, about half took steps to stay calm.

Our evaluation showed that participants’ awareness and actions in response to heat wave warnings were significantly influenced by their knowledge and perception of heat-related risks. Factors akin to age, gender and education weren’t that vital.

Respondents who believed they were in danger were almost twice as likely to hear warnings and three.6 times more likely to take motion to protect themselves from heat.

That’s right other research which highlights the correlation between heat and health risk perception and the effectiveness of heat wave warnings.

One limitation of our study is that we conducted it during and after 2022 La Nina periodwhere temperatures are often lower. Therefore, there can have been fewer heat wave warnings throughout the season, potentially reducing participants’ perceptions of heat-related health risks.

What needs to be modified?

With one other hot summer likely to come, we want to rethink how we communicate about heatwaves. It’s greater than just hot days. We must recognize heatwaves as a serious health risk, especially for older people, and effectively communicate these risks to the public.

This may include using primary care employees akin to GPs, nurses and pharmacists to share heat-related health information with older patients and their members of the family or developing personalized heat motion plans for the summer.

Text alerts from the Bureau of Meteorology together with app notifications could also be a very good idea, provided that some older adults may not have a smartphone or be open to using the app.

To improve communication during heatwaves, we also need to investigate barriers and facilitators Down heat protective behaviors. This includes considering structural aspects (akin to housing design), environmental aspects (akin to access to shade and funky shelters), individual aspects (akin to financial constraints or health conditions), and social aspects (akin to access to family and community support). .

Strengthening communication about heatwaves and health is not going to only protect individual well-being, but increase community resilience as extreme heat continues to impact our lives.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Recipe for change: eliminating health disparities and economic empowerment – the essence

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Via Griffin/Getty Images

Throughout the 12 months, the Global Black Economic Forum held quite a few select conversations focused on solutions to the most pressing economic and social issues facing marginalized communities. One of those issues – too often missed – is the link between Black health and wealth. If we do not start eliminating health disparities and inequalities today, we cannot give you the chance to construct wealth for the future.

This intersection was the focus of an event we hosted in August as a part of our cooking talk series. It was held on Martha’s Vineyard, round the corner National Medical Scholarships (NMF), the Black World Economic Forum had the opportunity to satisfy with NMF’s unapologetic leader, Michellene Davis. Recognized by Modern Healthcare magazine as certainly one of the 25 most influential minority leaders in healthcare, Michellene’s profession has involved policy advocacy and social change.

Her organization is devoted to increasing the variety of Black, Indigenous and physicians of color through fellowships, service-learning programs, mentoring opportunities and clinical research leadership training.

The conversation revealed two easy and interconnected data points: In the next decade, the United States will experience:huge shortage of doctors while becoming a majority non-white nation. These two trends highlight the need for greater diversity on this field. Studies have shown that patients of color see racially and ethnically diverse physicians. Treatment results are frequently higher.

However, the percentage of black doctors in the US is growing at an alarmingly slow rate – it has only increased by 4% over the last 120 years.. In the face of conservatives’ regressive and destructive attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, there has never been a greater need for us to redouble these efforts. The more we are able to improve health outcomes, the higher we’ll give you the chance to seize and compete for economic opportunities in the future. Given the urgent need to deal with health care workforce disparities and their direct impact on Black economic outcomes, it’s equally essential to acknowledge the broader economic opportunities that may drive wealth creation in our communities.

The competition for certainly one of the best economic opportunities in the history of tourism and hospitality – the 2026 FIFA World Cup – was the focus of our other curated conversation. Organized round the corner East Point Congress and Visitors Bureau, we sat down with its president, Chantel Francois. In her position, she is responsible for the development of the tourism industry in the city of East Point, Georgia. Previously, she led economic development and tourism promotion efforts in Atlanta, Trinidad and Tobago.

Francois described how local businesses run by entrepreneurs of color can leverage global events like the FIFA World Cup to extend their brand visibility, increase sales, and even start their very own businesses. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with event organizers, teams and athletes in constructing company awareness. This cooperation can also be crucial as the city government works with many stakeholders to make sure the safety of tourists and maximum economic opportunities for the area people.

When it involves such major events, it is usually essential to instill a way of community pride in each sector wherein an organization competes. This pride translates into a robust bond with travelers that may make them proceed to interact with small businesses or spark curiosity in them to learn more about the community. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has the potential to place tens of millions of dollars into the pockets and communities of individuals of color, and it’s crucial for businesses to begin planning now in the event that they have not already.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Phenergan for children under 6 years of age is currently banned due to fear of hallucinations. Here’s what you can use instead

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The Australian Drugs Regulatory Authority has issued an order safety warning over Phenergan and related products containing the antihistamine promethazine.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has stated that over-the-counter products mustn’t be given to children under six years of age due to concerns about serious unwanted effects similar to hyperactivity, aggression and hallucinations. Breathing may additionally change into slow or shallow, which can be fatal.

When high doses are administered to young children, difficulties in learning and understanding, including reversible cognitive deficit and mental disability, may additionally occur. – said the TGA.

The latest warning follows international and Australian concerns concerning the drug in young children, which is commonly used to treat conditions similar to hay fever and allergies, motion sickness and for short-term sedative effects.

What is promethazine?

Promethazine is a “first generation” antihistamine that has been sold over-the-counter in Australian pharmacies for a long time for a spread of conditions.

Unlike many other drugs, first-generation antihistamines can cross the blood-brain barrier. This means they affect your brain chemistry, making you feel drowsy and sedated.

In adults, this will likely be useful for sleep. However, in children, these drugs can cause serious unwanted effects on the nervous system, including those mentioned on this week’s safety alert.

We’ve known about this for a while

We have known concerning the serious unwanted effects of promethazine in young children for a while.

Advice regarding 20 years ago In the United States, the drug was not beneficial for use in children under two years of age. In 2022, an Australian Medicines Advisory Committee made its own suggestion to increase the age to six. New Zealand released similar warnings and advice in May this yr.

Over the last ten years, 235 cases of serious unwanted effects from promethazine have been reported in each children and adults reported to the TGA. Of the 77 deaths reported, one was a toddler under six years of age.

Reported unwanted effects in each adults and children included:

  • 13 cases of accidental overdose (leading to 11 deaths)
  • eight cases of hallucinations
  • seven cases of slow or shallow respiration (leading to 4 deaths)
  • six cases of decreased consciousness (leading to five deaths).

TGA security alert comes after an internal investigation by the manufacturer of Phenergan, Sanofi-Aventis Healthcare. This investigation was initiated in 2022 advice from the Medicines Advisory Committee. The company has now updated its information for consumers and healthcare professionals.

What can you use instead?

If you have allergies or hay fever in young children, non-sedating antihistamines similar to Claratine (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine) are preferred. They provide relief without the chance of sedation and other disturbing unwanted effects of promethazine.

If symptoms of a chilly or cough occur, parents must be reassured that these symptoms will normally subside with time, fluid intake, and rest.

Saline nasal sprays, adequate hydration, a humidifier or elevating the kid’s head can relieve the congestion related to hay fever. Oral products containing phenylephrine marketed for nasal congestion must be avoided because evidence shows that this is the case This article was originally published on : theconversation.com

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Health and Wellness

7 things you can do if you think you’re sweating too much

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Sweating is a way for the body to chill down, a bit like an internal air conditioner.

When your body temperature rises (since it’s hot outside or you exercise), sweat glands throughout your skin secrete a watery fluid. When the liquid evaporates, it takes heat with it, protecting us from overheating.

But sweating can vary from individual to individual. Some people could get a bit of dew under their arms, others may feel like they may fill a swimming pool (perhaps not as dramatically, but you get the thought).

So what’s a traditional amount of sweat? And what’s too much?

Why do some people sweat greater than others?

How much you sweat depends upon many aspects aspects including:

The average person sweats at a rate of approx 300 milliliters per hour (at a temperature of 30°C and humidity of roughly 40%). However, because you can’t measure the quantity of your individual sweat (or weigh it), doctors use a unique measure to evaluate the impact of sweating.

They ask if sweating interferes with on a regular basis life. Maybe you stop wearing certain clothes due to sweat stains or you feel embarrassed, so you don’t go to social events or work.

If so, it’s a so-called disease state excessive sweatingwhat affects tens of millions of individuals everywhere in the world.

As you might expect, people affected by this condition most frequently report problematic underarm sweating. However, sweaty hands, feet, scalp and groin might also be an issue.

Excessive sweating could also be a symptom of one other disease, e.g hyperthyroidism, fever or menopause.

But excessive sweating cannot have an obvious cause, and the causes of this so-called primary hyperhidrosis are somewhat mysterious. People have a traditional variety of sweat glands, but scientists consider they simply produce excessive amounts of sweat when exposed to triggers reminiscent of stress, heat, exercise, tobacco, alcohol and spicy spices. There might also be a genetic link.

Okay, I’m sweating loads. What can I do?

1. Antiperspirants

Antiperspirants, especially those with aluminumThey are the primary line of defense and have been designed to scale back sweating. Deodorants only stop unpleasant body odor.

Aluminum chloride, hexahydrate, aluminum chloride or weaker tetrachlorohydrex aluminum and zirconium glycinate they react with sweat gland proteins to form a plug. This plug temporarily blocks the sweat ducts, limiting the quantity of sweat reaching the skin’s surface.

These products may contain as much as 25% aluminum. The higher the proportion, the higher these products work, however the more they irritate the skin.

Make sure you buy antiperspirant, not deodorant.
Okrasiuka/Shutterstock

2. Beat the warmth

This could seem obvious, but staying calm can make an enormous difference. This is because you have less heat to lose, which causes your body to provide less sweat.

Avoid highly regarded and long showers (you’ll have more heat to lose), wear loose clothing fabricated from breathable fabrics reminiscent of cotton (this can help sweat evaporate more easily), and carry a small hand-held fan to assist your sweat evaporate.

When exercising, try it ice bandanas (ice wrapped in a shawl or cloth after which applied to the body) or wet towels. They can be worn across the neck, head or wrists to lower body temperature.

Also try to switch when or where you exercise; If possible, try to seek out cool shade or air-conditioned places.

If your sweating remains to be affecting your life after taking the primary two steps, consult with your doctor. They will help you find the most effective strategy to cope with this problem.

3. Medicines

Some medicines may help regulate sweating. Unfortunately, a few of them can also cause uncomfortable side effects reminiscent of dry mouth, blurred vision, abdominal pain or constipation. So consult with your doctor about what’s best for you.

Your GP might also refer you to a dermatologist – a health care provider like me who makes a speciality of skin conditions – who can recommend a wide range of treatments, including among the following.

4. Botulinum toxin injections

Botulinum toxin injections usually are not used solely for cosmetic reasons. They have many applications in medicine, including: they block the nerves that control the sweat glands. They do this for months.

The dermatologist normally gives injections. But they’re only subsidized by Medical care in Australia under the arms and if you suffer from primary hyperhidrosis that can not be controlled with the strongest antiperspirants. These injections are given as much as thrice a yr. It just isn’t subsidized within the case of other diseases, e.g. hyperthyroidism or other areas, e.g. face or hands.

If you don’t qualify, you can get these shots privately, but it would cost you a whole bunch of dollars for treatment that can last as long as six months.

A healthcare worker giving a man a Botox injection under his arm
In some cases, injections can be found under Medicare.
Satyrenko/Shutterstock

5. Iontophoresis

This involves using a tool that passes a weak electric current through water to the skin decreased sweating in your hands, feet or armpits. Scientists aren’t sure how exactly it really works.

But it’s the one way to manage sweating within the hands and feet, which doesn’t require drugs, surgery or botulinum toxin injections.

This treatment just isn’t subsidized by Medicare and never all dermatologists provide it. However, you can buy your individual device and use it, which is frequently cheaper than using it privately. You can ask your dermatologist if that is the proper option for you.

6. Surgery

There is a procedure where the nerves within the hands are cut, which prevents them from sweating. This is very effective however it may cause sweating somewhere else.

There are also other surgical options that you can talk to your doctor.

7. Microwave therapy

This is newer treatment which stimulates the sweat glands to destroy them in order that they can now not work. This just isn’t quite common yet and is kind of painful. It is out there privately in several centers.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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