By Ahmad Nazrin Syahmi Mohamad Arif
PHNOM PENH, May 5 (NNN-Bernama) — The main effects of heat-related illnesses like heatstroke continue to be a major concern of the Malaysian medical contingent to the 2023 SEA Games, which will be held in extremely hot weather here.
Malaysian contingent chief medical officer (CMO) Dr Jasmiza Khuzairi Jasme said the weather in Cambodia is hot and very humid, with the temperature reaching 40 degrees Celcius, adding that athletes could fall victim to heatstroke if they are out in the sun for too long.
According to him, among the early symptoms of heat-related illnesses are dizziness, lack of energy and headache while those who suffer from heatstroke can experience a blackout or worse.
“If they are at risk, they can take precautionary measures or they can take in more fluids to stay hydrated. We also advised them not to consume too many sweet drinks, coffee or caffeinated drink as it will affect hydration.
“The best is to drink lots of plain water or electrolyte drinks to ensure they have a sufficient amount of water and salt in their body,” he said when met by BERNAMA at the national contingent’s clinic at the 2023 SEA Games Athletes’ Village here.
As for athletes who have been exposed to sunlight for a long time during competition, he advised them to use a wet towel or ice pack to cool down the various parts of their body, such as the back of the neck and head to reduce the risk of their body temperature rising.
Dr Jasmiza, who was also the CMO at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, said this was the simplest method to reduce body temperature.
“In addition, in terms of clothing, we advise athletes not to wear thick attire and avoid wearing black clothes as they retain heat. They can wear hats, caps, gloves and also use lotion as well as sunscreens,” he said.
He added that athletes could also undergo a recovery process, including an ice bath, provided at the contingent’s clinic.
Meanwhile, Dr Jasmiza said a total of 30 sports science and sports medicine support staff, including six specialists from the National Sports Institute (NSI), have been deployed to monitor the health of all 677 national athletes competing in the 2023 SEA Games from May 5-17.
He said the medical team at the biennial Games also comprised paramedics, nurses, physiotherapists and masseurs to ensure the best service for the national athletes.
“In addition to our presence here, we also have two teams on duty in the Sihanoukville region (the venue for sailing) and one team in the Siem Reap region (cycling) but the main one is here at the Athletes’ Village, where the clinic will operate 24 hours daily throughout the Games.
“Here, we have an ultrasound to assist in diagnosing injuries and all types of medicines. Besides clinical services, we also provide physiotherapy and sports massage services where the personnel will be on duty at all times,” he said.
— NNN-BERNAMA
