Singapore in the Sweltering Spotlight: A Guide to Staying Cool Amid the Heat
Heat‑related Hospital Strikes: The Numbers Speak
At Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, doctors have spotted a 3‑fold jump in patients braving heat‑related woes during the hottest spell. From itchy heat rash and painful heat cramps—those “muscle spasms from sweating badly” doomed when hydration dies—to the big bad heatstroke, the clinic sees them all.
Family Doctors Get the Heat Report
- Dr Derek Li (Raffles Medical) hands out more folks dealing with flare‑ups of eczema and hives triggered by excessive sweating. He warns that the “sweat‑driven skin drama” can feel just like a bad bout of Covid‑19 or dengue, which all share the same heads‑crack, low‑energy, and brain‑fog symptoms.
- Outdoor workers—those who work in the sun—struggle with headaches, body aches, dizziness, and a concentration slump that can be hard to pin down.
Dr Li predicts an uptick in the coming weeks as big bleachers and sports fields re‑open.
Polyclinics on the Front Lines
- National University Polyclinics and NHGP are noticing more cases of heat rash and eczema flare‑ups.
- Dr Yeap Youwen from Hougang Polyclinic reports that heat rash and cramps are diners’ “every‑day breakfast” right now.
- Dr Lee Joon Loong (Paddington Medical Clinic) warns that patients with gastroenteritis—who are already losing fluids through vomiting and diarrhea—are a double‑whammy when it gets hot and dry. The logicline is simple: heat + dehydration + tummy upset = the most uncomfortable combo.
What the Weather’s Been Doing
The National Environment Agency (NEA) warns that we’ll keep smelling hot‑maxes of 34℃–35℃ most days, with a few days hitting 36℃.
April and May were a character: April 1 hit 36.8℃ (the second‑highest ever) in Admiralty, almost stealing the throne from the record set in 1983 at 37.0℃. May’s peak—36.7℃—also landed in Admiralty.
“In 2021 we ranked among the top 5‑7 hottest years worldwide, even though it was a La Niña year that usually cools the Pacific,” the World Meteorological Organisation reported.
Who’s at Risk? All the Heavies
Dr Rachel Lim of SingHealth Polyclinics says the body is less efficient at shedding heat in a hot climate, raising core temperatures and heat‑stress risk.
- Children (they sweat less) and the elderly (they’re slower at heat excretion) are high‑risk.
- Obese folks, people with chronic disease (especially cardiovascular), heavy alcohol drinkers, and foreigners who don’t know how the local heat works.
- In humid Singapore, sweat isn’t a great cooling mechanism.
Exertional Heat Injuries: When Your Body Says “Stop!”
Dr Ang Shiang Hu drops the knowledge bomb that exertional heat injuries—where strenuous activity spikes your core temperature—are more common in Singapore than classic “heatwave” injuries seen in temperate zones.
Associate Professor Jason Lee advises that outdoor workers—cleaners, construction crews—need more rest, cooling options, and shade. “The transition period from ‘normal to very hot’ is the danger zone. People can be slow to change their behaviours and keep cracking it.”
Protecting the Seniors
Classic heat illnesses are a grey‑area sweet spot for older folks with chronic diseases and those living in poorly ventilated rooms.
- Heart‑disease patients can faint from the lack of oxygen as the body pumps blood to the skin to cool down.
- Those hooked to beds or unable to communicate may just drop in that extra body temperature without voice. Senior eyes should stay on-spot.
A Quick Takeaway from Dr Lee of Paddington Clinic
“Drink lots of water.” It just feels too obvious, but it’s the only rule that sticks.
So, Singapore’s heatwave is real—take it seriously, dig deep, cool down and keep those water bottles handy. Stay chill!
Beating the heat
To avoid heat stress:
Beat the Heat: Quick & Easy Tips for Staying Cool
Hey there, sun‑lovers! Whether you’re hustling outside or just strolling on a hot afternoon, here’s a friendly cheat sheet to keep you feeling fresh, hydrated, and headache‑free.
Dress Like a Breeze
- Loose, thin, absorbent fabrics are your new best friends. Think cotton or moisture‑wicking blends that let sweat do its job without turning you into a puddle.
- Rock a wide‑brimmed hat. It’s not just style— it’s a sun‑shield that keeps the heat off your skull.
Timing Is Everything
- Plan errands and workouts before 9 am or after 6 pm. The sun’s less aggressive outside those golden hours.
- Skip any marathon‑style activities from 10 am to 4 pm—you’ll thank yourself later.
Hydration: Your Liquid Lifeline
- Drink at least two litres of water a day—good for everyone; better if you’re on the move.
- Check with your doctor if you have medical conditions that tweak your fluid needs.
Build Your Heat-Resilience
- If you’re new to the heat, slowly ramp up the intensity or duration of sunny workouts. Jumping straight in is like sprinting in a sauna— good idea? Not so much.
- Acclimatization reduces heat‑injury risk. Treat your body like a seasoned athlete.
Know When to Call It a Day
- Feeling a little off? Pause. Seek shade or air‑conditioning. Stay hydrated. If discomfort persists, get medical help sooner than later.
- Avoid pushing yourself hard when you’re not feeling well—let down the heat before it gets yours.
Champions on the Move
- Keep taking short, cooler breaks. A handheld fan or a swirly splash can keep the temperature in check.
- Remember: eating hot food and drinks is a no-go—unless it’s a perfect dash of iced slushie (no added sugar, please).
- Stay clear of sugary or alcoholic drinks—they only spike the heat inside.
Get Your Heart Pumping, Literally
- Keep the cardio flow going. A stronger heart circulates blood efficiently, raising your body’s thermal tolerance.
Skin‑Care Essentials
- Moisturize to help fend off heat rashes and eczema flare‑ups.
- For those pesky red patches, top‑off with a suitable steroid cream and maybe an oral antihistamine. (Always follow a doctor’s orders.)
With these simple steps, you can stay cool, keep the heat at bay, and enjoy your day without burning a hole in your pockets—both literally and figuratively.
Common treatments for heat injury cases:
Beat the Heat with Calm & Cool Tactics
First Things First – Keep the Cool Flow Going Inside
When you’re sweating bucket‑full, the brain’s first thought is usually water. But it ain’t just about drinking; we need to keep the whole body in the groove.
- Drink it up: Sip on isotonic fluids that match your body’s balance of salts.
- Spray and spin: A quick spritz of cold water on the face, neck, and a gentle fan blows away the heat.
- Wardrobe tweak: Rip off heavy layers; lighter fabrics let your skin breathe.
- Target cool spots: Hang a damp cloth over the neck, armpits, or groin area. These are your body’s cooling stations.
- Hospital measures: If you’re in the ER, they’ll use chilled IV fluids and special blankets that suck heat out.
Who’s Saying What?
- Dr. Keith Ho – Head of Alexandra Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre & senior consultant at National University Hospital’s Emergency Medicine Department
- Dr. Kanak Naidu
- Associate Professor Kenneth Tan
- Associate Professor Jason Lee
- Dr. Rachel Lim
- Dr. Yeap Youwen
- Dr. Loh Jun Hao – Family physician at Jurong Polyclinic, National University Polyclinics
This friendly guide first hit the pages of The Straits Times and is designed to keep you feeling refreshed while avoiding that beery, fiery doom of heat exhaustion.
