What should I bring to a parade to stay healthy?

Tens of thousands of people flocked to the center of the capital to attend the parade, facing the heat, showers and the risk of heatstroke, exhaustion and hypoglycemia due to standing and waiting for many hours.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day on September 2nd, tens of thousands of people will flock to the center of Hanoi to watch the parade. Having to travel very early, jostling among crowds in unfavorable weather conditions, attendees face health risks.

According to Dr. Nguyen Huy Hoang, a member of the Vietnam Association of Underwater and Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine, many people want to choose a good location for observation so they are willing to leave home from 3-4am. Waking up too early causes lack of sleep, circadian rhythm disorder, leading to reduced endurance. Standing for long periods in a crowd can cause muscle fatigue, poor blood circulation, and in some cases, fainting due to hypotension

The weather in early September in Hanoi is often hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 35-36°C and humidity above 80%. This increases the risk of cramps, exhaustion or heat shock, especially if you do not drink enough water and cover yourself properly. On the contrary, sudden showers can make you susceptible to colds if you do not prepare a raincoat or suitable clothing.

People lined up to watch the parade rehearsal.

At intersections, the high density of people also makes it difficult to move around, making collisions, falls, or minor injuries more likely. In an emergency, approaching and providing first aid to victims in a crowded place is a big challenge.

Dr. Hoang recommends that people should prepare a basic medical kit when participating in crowded events, including: fever reducers, pain relievers, cold, diarrhea, allergy medicine and prescription drugs for people with chronic diseases.

In addition, you should bring masks, hand sanitizer, bandages, alcohol, saline, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Bottled water (1-2 liters per person), snacks, hand fans, thin raincoats, and hats are also necessary items to cope with hot weather or showers.

To maintain good health, doctors advise people to get enough sleep, replenish water and electrolytes 1-2 days before the event. Dinner the night before should be enough energy, the next morning should be light but still ensure nutrition. While waiting, you should drink water in small sips, eat light food every 2-3 hours, and take advantage of the opportunity to rest.

Children, the elderly, pregnant women or people with chronic diseases should consider carefully before attending crowded events, especially in adverse weather conditions. If attending, they should be accompanied by a relative and avoid jostling and pushing.

Danger signs to recognize early

• Fatigue, dizziness, cold, clammy skin (signs of heat exhaustion)
• Body temperature above 40°C, confusion, unconsciousness (risk of heat stroke)
• Shaking, sweating, hunger (signs of hypoglycemia).

When encountering the above situation, it is necessary to quickly take the patient to a cool place, cool the body or feed them promptly; at the same time, call an ambulance or ask for the nearest support force.

The organizers have arranged mobile medical stations with military medical and police forces on duty to support people. In case of an incident, immediately notify the nearest volunteer or security officer for timely intervention.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/can-mang-theo-nhung-gi-khi-di-xem-dieu-binh-dieu-hanh-de-giu-suc-khoe-5057530.html