In the scorching sun on a road in Hanoi, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa struggled to push a scrap collection cart. When passing a intersection, the tie suddenly slipped, causing things to fall onto the road. The thin back of the elderly woman was soaked in sweat as she bent down to pick up each sack of things in the scorching sun.
There are days when it's too sunny and I have a headache, I have to take up to 4 pain relievers. If I don't have the conditions, I have to do it," Ms. Hoa shared.
Her main source of income is washing dishes for hire. However, to cover living expenses, she still takes advantage of picking up scraps every day despite the hot weather.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, on June 24, Hanoi recorded intense heat, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in many places. Harsh weather conditions significantly affect workers who have to work outdoors.
At a construction site under construction, workers are still working diligently under high temperatures. When asked by reporters about work on hot sunny days, a worker was encouraged by colleagues: "Smile to interview for beauty", he replied: "It's so hot, how can you smile".
The worker said that to ensure work progress and health, he always prepares long-sleeved shirts, sunshades and enough drinking water to limit dehydration when working outdoors for 6-8 hours. Between shifts, workers also proactively arrange flexible rest time to avoid exhaustion.
Many workers take advantage of construction sewer pipe sections placed along the road as temporary shelters, to avoid the sun and recover before continuing work. Ms. Vu Thi Tam said that peak hot days cause health to decline significantly.
Many times I feel headache, fatigue, as if there are signs of heatstroke. But if I don't work, afraid of difficulties, where will I get money from," Ms. Tam said.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Truong Son, Director of the Institute of Cardiology, Central Military Hospital 108, high temperatures can increase the risk of health incidents, especially in the elderly and people with underlying cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Doctors recommend that people should limit sudden temperature changes, supplement enough water and electrolytes, and take measures to shield themselves when going outdoors in the sun.
Cases with abnormal signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, crooked mouth, weakness of limbs or altered consciousness need to be taken to a medical facility for timely emergency treatment," Dr. Son emphasized.
