It is the journey you have been waiting for all your life, the honor of being called a ‘hajji' or a pilgrim, the chance to have all your sins wiped away, and to walk in the footsteps that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) walked in, as did Prophet Ibrahim before him. The last thing you want is to get bogged down by illness or to have your energy sapped out of you, which will no doubt interfere with your ability to perform the rituals and also your mental concentration and spiritual rejuvenation. With over 2 million people from all over the world crowding in one city, and sweltering temperatures of above 40 degrees Celsius, there are considerable health risks involved in performing the Haj. Some estimates claim that last year, 1,379,500 international pilgrims came from 188 countries. And, there were 800,000 local pilgrims. The Saudi Ministry of Health has recommended against performing the pilgrimage this year for the following persons: • People older than 65 years • Children younger than 12 years • Pregnant women • People with chronic diseases (such as heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or respiratory disease) • People with weakened immune systems or who take drugs that suppress the immune system • People with cancer or terminal illness One of the main health concerns, which can be avoidable, is heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Dr. Hassan Ghaznawi of King Abdul Aziz University conducted a study of pilgrims over the past twenty years and he stated that heatstroke was found to be the main cause of death among most of the pilgrims. Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating, as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. Some of the signs of heat stroke to look out for include confusion, agitation, slurred speech, lack of sweating, red flushed skin, nausea and vomiting, rapid breathing, racing heartbeat, and a throbbing headache. If not treated, it can lead to fainting, seizures, disorientation, or even coma. If you suspect that you or someone else has heatstroke, seek medical attention immediately. While waiting for emergency treatment, get the person into shade, remove excess clothing, and cool the person with ice packs, cold wet towels, or spraying a mist of water. Although heatstroke is common during the pilgrimage, especially in warmer months, it can be prevented by taking these steps. Wear loose fitting, light weight clothing because tight clothes do not allow your body to cool properly. The men's garments for the pilgrimage are loosely wrapped, white clothing, which is suitable for the hot weather. For women, it is advisable to wear an outer garment that is light weight and also light in color, with loosely fitting, cotton clothes underneath. It is not obligatory that the Muslim woman's abaya be black. Wear a lightweight, wide-brimmed hat or use a white umbrella to protect yourself from the sun, and wear sunglasses. Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin. Having a sun burn reduces your body's ability to rid itself of heat. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours; using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Drink plenty of fluids, ideally water and fruit juices. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature. Minimize your consumption of caffeine containing beverages such as tea, cola, and coffee because caffeine may stimulate a loss of fluids from your body. Always carry with you clean, bottled water when going to perform the rituals of Haj. Desserts and snacks which are low in water and high in salt, such as crackers, chips, and pastries, should be avoided and should be replaced with foods that are high in water, such as fruits, melons, jello, and pudding. Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid walking for long distances or performing the tawaf when the sun's heat is most intense. Reduce unnecessary physical exertion like shopping and walking to the stalls and shops. Save your energy for the tasks of Haj. Be sure to rest frequently between the rituals of the pilgrimage. Seek a cooler place whenever possible; find a well shaded spot to stand in. To prevent catching a nasty infection, try to follow these precautions: • Beware of food from street vendors and ice in your drinks (the ice may have been made from unclean water). Other foods that may be contaminated include raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs, raw or undercooked meat or fish, unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables, salads, condiments such as mayonnaise, and flavored ice or popsicles. • Wear masks when in crowded places. • Cover mouth when sneezing or coughing. • Wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before and after eating, after using the bathroom, and after sneezing or coughing. • Cough and sneeze in tissues and dispose of them appropriately. • Avoid hand contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth. • Avoid direct contact with people who have these symptoms: coughing, sneezing, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. • Do not use unlicensed street vendors to get your head shaved. They may reuse razors, posing a risk of acquiring blood borne diseases like hepatitis B. • If you are on any medications, be sure to take them regularly. • For protection against ticks and mosquitoes, use insect repellent.
