Right selection of food amid adverse weather significant
Asia, comprising 48 countries and three territories, is not only the most in danger, but the ‘most-disasterhit region from weather, climate and water-related hazards in 2023’
El Nino and La Nina have been on simultaneous worldwide rage, particularly in the most recent years, even as Earth System scientists have been, for decades, issuing numerous alerts.
On Wednesday, the specialised United Nations agency and Switzerland-headquartered World Meteorology Organisation (WMO) released its global report 2023.
Specifically on the “State of the Climate in Asia 2023,” WMO Chief Celeste Saulo released an official statement, in connection with the WMO conclusion that Asia, comprising 48 countries and three territories, is not only the most in danger, but the “most-disaster-hit region from weather, climate and water-related hazards in 2023.”
Saulo said: “The report’s conclusions are sobering. Many countries in the region experienced their hotest year on record in 2023, along with a barrage of extreme conditions, from droughts and heat waves to floods and storms. Climate change exacerbated the frequency and severity of such events, profoundly impacting societies, economies, and, most importantly, human lives and the environment that we live in.”
Saulo echoed what local to global public and private leaders as well as profit and non-profit organisation persons and other stakeholders had unanimously agreed upon at the Uae-hosted Conference of Parties 28 led by the UAE’S Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, and also stated: “It is imperative that our actions and strategies mirror the urgency of these times. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the evolving climate is not merely an option, but a fundamental necessity.”
For this, gulf today linked up with life care hospital (Musaffah, Abu Dhabi) Internal Medicine consultant Dr. Baiju Faizal and Medeor Hospital (Dubai) Internal Medicine specialist dr. pray nash arm a for their insights on climate change-related ailments and diseases.
Faiz al said :“it is important to be aware that home water pipes, humidifiers, and stagnant water in your immediate surroundings can pose potential health risks. Disease-causing germs tend to multiply in such environments, leading to a range of illnesses from simple viral diarrhoea to life-threatening conditions like dysentery (gastrointestinal infection), typhoid fever, and viral hepatitis. additionally, stagnant water can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases like dengue fever.”
Reminding on the frailty of people suffering from life-long cardiovascular conditions that seriously impact blood sugar levels, the kidneys and liver, Faizal continued :“Patients onim mu no suppressive medication for conditions like auto immune diseases or post-organ transplant state are particularly vulnerable. Water-borne diseases can exacerbate pre-existing health conditions and lead to serious complications.”
Faizal gave that opinion as this reporter also en quired about the effectiveness of household water filter systems and humidifiers which he described as “essential appliances” to obviate the “growth of harmful microbes.”
He added :“stagnant water in pipe scan develop a slimy gel known as biofilm, which serves as a protective shield for germs, making them resistant to conventional disinfectants. To maintain the cleanliness and efficiency of water filters and humidifiers, it is crucial to clean and sanitise them periodically. This will help in preventing the buildup of biofilm and ensure that the water and air circulated are free from contaminants.”
Sharma who added that weather disturbance-related issues include cholera, skin infection, leptospirosis, pink eye, malaria, yellow fever, colds, sinusitis, and bronchitis, emphasised the relevance of frequent hand hygiene and the “careful disposal of human waste and animal faeces.”
Sharma mentioned “good food hygiene” as Faizal raised the alarm on not to consume raw vegetables unless “thoroughly washed and properly cleaned” since “raw vegetables can harbour harmful bacteria and pathogens, which can lead to food-borne illnesses.”
S harm a stated :“consume properly cooked food and boiled water. Boiling water is one of the most reliable methods to make water safer for drinking. It effectively kills disease-causing organisms such as viruses, bacteria and parasites. The process helps destroy these harmful pathogens, making water suitable for consumption. Drink lukewarm water. Keep distance from the sick.”
Meanwhile, in a press release, Emirates Health Services-customer happiness director ahmed alsuwai dion Wednesday, relative to last week’s recent storm, emphasised the agency’s 24/7 dedication and commitment to those in need of “medical facilities, home medical services, and virtual clinics.”