Hanoi and many northern provinces are experiencing sunny days such as fire, the outdoor temperature sometimes reaches more than 40 degrees Celsius.
While many people can stay indoors and avoid the sun thanks to air conditioners, freelance workers still have to make a living in the harsh sun, facing many health risks, especially dehydration and heat stroke.
Mr. Nguyen Quang Huy (technology shipper) said: "Every day I run 8 to 10 hours on the road. During peak hours, it is even sunnier, sometimes I feel dizzy, have a headache, and sometimes almost faint because it is too hot. But I can only take a break for a while and then drink more water to stay alert and continue.
The work does not allow long stops, and the income is associated with each trip, so health care, especially the addition of water for people like Mr. Huy, is very lacking.
As for Mr. Bui Van Minh (63 years old), working as a security guard for a construction project in Ha Dong, the worry about hot weather became even more obvious: "The weather is as hot as burning, so every day I have to buy more watermelon, oranges, sugarcane juice, ... to cool people. Now I just hope to get through this heat quickly, but I sit in the middle of the road, in the constant sun, I am afraid of getting a cold.
According to Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Thi Nhung - Head of Nutrition Examination, Sun Hospital, dehydration in hot weather is a common risk for outdoor workers.
An average adult needs between 1600 and 2,000ml of water per day, not to mention that if they are physically active or sweat a lot, the need can be higher. Clean water is still the main source of water, while juices, soft drinks, and fruit juices should only be considered as supplements, not completely replaced, said the expert.
Associate Professor Nhung also noted that the initial signs of dehydration are often dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, if not rehydrated promptly, it can easily lead to heat stroke - a dangerous condition, which can damage the brain, heart, and even death.
In fact, in the face of the scorching sun, making a living is still unstoppable for many workers. However, they need to be equipped with basic knowledge of nutrition and health care when working outdoors.
