With South Australia sweltering in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees today, Doctors for the Environment Australia’s Executive Director, Adelaide-based GP Dr Kate Wylie, said people need to recognise that heat is a serious health hazard. 

Dr Wylie encourages people to drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol and wear loose, light coloured clothing. Avoid going out in the heat of the day if you can, but if you must go seek shaded areas when possible. 

Dr Wylie encourages people to use air conditioning or fans to keep cool, noting that fans are cheaper to run, have less emissions and reduce room temperature by about 4℃. 

“If your house is too hot, you can seek out cool public places like libraries, community or shopping centres,” she said.

The mercury in central Adelaide will climb to 41 degrees, while the northern suburbs are expected to reach 42 degrees, and some regional areas will swelter as the temperature reaches as high as 47 degrees.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued severe heatwave conditions over northern and central parts of the state, with temperatures predicted to reach up to extreme heatwave conditions over the Northwest Pastoral district.

Dr Wylie said people are impacted differently by heatwaves.

“Hot temperatures increase our risk of heat related illness, like heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Heat waves can also increase our risk of heart attacks, strokes and renal disease, as well as exacerbate mental illness,” she said.

The Red Cross completed a survey last year which showed only 10 per cent of Australians were taking steps to actively prepare for severe heat waves.

Dr Wylie said every step we take that cuts pollution helps secure a safer future for Australia’s population, and our native fauna and flora.

Dr Wylie can be contacted for further comment on 0432 871 389.