Degrees of danger: Beating the heat in South-east Asia
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Heat in South-east Asia is unlike anywhere else. Not only are people chronically exposed to the heat in the tropics, but the region’s high humidity also worsens the discomfort. For example, Singapore’s average humidity level is about 82 per cent.
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The urbanising areas between established cities and rural places can be built with heat resilience and cooling in mind. In new towns, for example, buildings can be laid out in such a way that promotes wind flow to maximise ventilation and cool neighbourhoods. In Can Tho city in Vietnam, a new development has been exploring such wind corridors, as well as greenery and energy-efficient windows.
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Some communities may historically have developed knowledge or resources to withstand the heat. In places where temperatures are usually high, it may be a part of the community’s identity and practices to adapt and cope with heat, reducing its risks. But with climate change, there will be greater risks to come.
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Find out how traditional practices could potentially complement conventional treatments for heat injuries. For example, traditional Chinese medicine treatments – such as herbs, cupping, scraping, acupuncture and tui na – may prevent heat illnesses or help to rehabilitate patients after a heat injury, although further studies are needed to determine this. But conventional medicine remains effective, especially for acute onset of some heat injuries, which require immediate medical attention.
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