Impact of weather conditions on health of refugees and migrants Flashcards
why is health care access for refugees and migrants important
- can help cure and prevent spread of disease
- diagnosis and treatment of NCDs can prevent these conditions from worsening and becoming life threatening
what are the public health challenges of large-scale migration
health systems need to be well equipped and experienced to diagnose and treat common diseases and NCDs
why are defining contingency scenarios important
improves coordination among numerous stakeholders involved, improving resilience and avoid overloading of health systems
how can healthcare professionals help to deal with vulnerable migrants and refugees
- learn to diagnose, detect and treat uncommon communicable diseases
- learn how to communicate with people from different languages
- learn how to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds
what are the social determinants of health
education, employment, social security, housing
what are the environmental changes associated with increasing greenhouse gas concentration
flooding, drought, increased frequency and intensity of climate-related disaster and sea-level rise
what is hypothermia
when the body temperature is lower than 35C, due to exposure to extreme cold or immersion in cold water, compromises vital human functions
what is frost bite?
Name and describe what happens in each phase
frost bite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze due to exposure to cold aid, wind and humidity.
early-stage (frostnip): pins and needle sensation, throbbing or aching, numb and white
intermediate stage (superficial frostbite): prolonged exposure to cold temperatures will cause tissue damage. The affected area will feel hard and frozen. Will turn red and blister.
advanced stage: damage starts to affect tendons, muscles, nerves and bones, Blood filled blisters form and turn into thick black scabs which is reflective of tissue necrosis
what is the difference between hypothermia and frostbite
when an individual has frostbite they are normally unaware because the tissue is numb. Whereas in hypothermia the individual shivers and feel confused.
what are common symptoms associated with each system after prolonged exposure to cold weather
respiratory: increased mucus secretion
musculoskeletal: pain, stiffness, swelling, restricted movement, muscle weakness
cardiovascular: chest pain, arrhythmia, shortness of breath
dermatological: itching, skin eurption, pale skin
peripheral circulation: colour change, pain, numbness, tickling sensation
what are the types of diseases associated with increased exposure in the cold with each system
respiratory: asthma, CPD
cardiovascular: MI
Peripheral circulation: Raynaud’s phenomenon
musculoskeletal: tension neck syndrome
dermatological: atopic dermatasis
injuries: frost bite, hypothermia
what is general advice for exposed people to protect themselves from the cold
wear layers, warm food, physical exercise, avoid alcohol and drugs, look for signs of frostbite
what are individual risk factors for heat related illnesses
social isolation, overcrowding, being confined to bed, certain medical conditions
very hot weather can trigger what illnesses
heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heart attack, confusion
name preventative measures from a heat wave
- avoid or reduce exposure
- communicate the risks effectively
- special care for vulnerable population groups
