KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Ministry of Health and Wellness is reminding the public that excessive heat stress is harmful to health and is potentially fatal.

According to the ministry in a press release on Monday, some individuals are at greater risk of being affected by heat.

Among the most vulnerable are the elderly, bedridden people, as well as infants and children younger than six years of age, individuals who are overweight and those with preexisting medical conditions, including diabetes and hypertension.

The Ministry of Health said typically, heat-related illnesses can range from mild conditions such as a rash or cramps to serious and potentially life-threatening conditions such as heatstroke.

In order to prevent illness associated with the heat, the ministry is urging members of the public to:

• Hydrate with cool water, especially when it is hot and humid;
• Drink more fluids, limit or avoid sugar-sweetened drinks and beverages that contain alcohol;
• Drink more water than normal before, during and after vigorous activities (at least 15 minutes before, and take fluid breaks at least every 15 minutes);
• Exercise indoors where possible;
• Drink more water than normal if one is exposed to heat for long periods (greater than two hours);
• Avoid the sun during the middle of the day, such as by limiting, as much as possible, outdoor activities to mornings and evenings; and seeking out shade when outdoors; and
• Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable fabrics.

READ: Jamaicans urged to stay hydrated amid hotter-than-normal summer