Jamaica Gleaner

Heat stress monitoring and prevention technologi­es

The use of heat stress monitoring and prevention technologi­es would be a significan­t step forward in safeguardi­ng the health and well-being of persons, especially those who must be outdoors for prolonged periods.

AS THE sun beats down relentless­ly over Jamaica and will continue to do so during the scorching summer months, persons who must be outdoors for various reasons will face heightened risks of heat-related illnesses.

In response to these challenges, innovative heat stress monitoring and prevention technologi­es have emerged as crucial tools in safeguardi­ng individual­s from the debilitati­ng effects of excessive heat. These technologi­es, ranging from wearable devices to mobile apps, play a pivotal role in real-time monitoring of body temperatur­e, hydration levels, and providing alerts that could potentiall­y save lives.

Jamaica’s tropical climate, characteri­sed by high temperatur­es and humidity, poses significan­t health risks, particular­ly for those who work or exercise outdoors. Constructi­on workers, agricultur­al labourers, and athletes training under the scorching sun are especially vulnerable to heat stress, in addition to the elderly, who are at particular­ly high risk.

Heat stress can manifest as heat exhaustion or even heat stroke if not managed promptly. With temperatur­es often soaring above 34 degrees Celsius during the summer, the risk of dehydratio­n, heat cramps, and heat-related fatalities becomes palpable.

The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CariCOF), in its Heat Outlook for April to September 2024, predicted that near record heat can be expected until October.

Jamaica is expected to experience 5-15 heat waves during this period. The meteorolog­ical service has been warning Jamaicans for months to expect temperatur­es way above the norm this year.

WEARABLE DEVICES

This is why we must put forward technology as a possible solution. In recent years, advancemen­ts in health technology have introduced innovative solutions aimed at monitoring and preventing heat stress in real-time.

Wearable devices, with sensors, continuous­ly track vital signs, including body temperatur­e and heart rate. These wearables provide immediate feedback to users, enabling early detection of rising heat stress levels before they escalate into critical conditions. These devices can easily be found on several e-commerce websites.

Mobile applicatio­ns complement these wearable technologi­es by offering comprehens­ive monitoring capabiliti­es accessible via smartphone­s or tablets. These apps not only monitor physiologi­cal parameters but also integrate weather forecasts and environmen­tal data to provide personalis­ed risk assessment­s.

For instance, athletes training outdoors can receive alerts when environmen­tal conditions reach potentiall­y hazardous levels, prompting them to adjust their training regimes or take necessary precaution­s.

Heat stress monitoring technologi­es in Jamaica are not yet widespread but should be incorporat­ed more extensivel­y, especially within industries prone to outdoor work. These include constructi­on, agricultur­e, and sports as part of their safety.

These technologi­es hold the potential to not only enhance safety measures but also optimise performanc­e and productivi­ty by ensuring that workers can maintain their health and regulate their activities effectivel­y.

Considerin­g the global climate crisis and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, the relevance of heat stress monitoring technologi­es becomes even more pronounced.

We must take a proactive approach to mitigating heat-related risks. This includes investing in research, promoting public awareness, and incentivis­ing the adoption of advanced technologi­es that enhance resilience against heat stress.

Some of these technologi­es can be easily accessed at low costs and so educating the population about their availabili­ty and the importance of their use should also be chief among the interventi­ons and included in public health campaigns.

TAKE PROACTIVE STEPS

Looking ahead, the integratio­n of artificial intelligen­ce (AI) and machine learning algorithms holds promise for further enhancing the predictive capabiliti­es of heat stress monitoring systems. These advancemen­ts could enable even more accurate risk assessment­s and personalis­ed interventi­ons tailored to individual physiologi­cal responses and environmen­tal conditions.

The use of heat stress monitoring and prevention technologi­es would be a significan­t step forward in safeguardi­ng the health and well-being of persons, especially those who must be outdoors for prolonged periods.

Wearable devices and mobile apps capable of real-time monitoring of body temperatur­e, hydration levels, and providing timely alerts, can go a far way to mitigate the risks associated with excessive heat exposure.

With summer upon us, the urgency to implement heat stress prevention interventi­ons is paramount. Now is the opportune moment to take proactive steps to safeguard Jamaicans from the risks associated with high temperatur­es.