The Bediding phenomenon hit the southern region of Java, bringing extreme cold temperatures that impact human health.
Bediding is a seasonal phenomenon that occurs at the beginning of the dry season. The term itself comes from the Javanese word “Bedhidhing’. The air temperature becomes very cold from night to morning, while the temperature soars to strong heat during the day. Due to the drastic temperature change, it triggers hypothermia and respiratory illnesses in some people.
Extreme Cold in the Dry Season
The bediding phenomenon has again hit the southern region of Java, bringing extreme cold temperatures during the dry season. This phenomenon occurs due to the easterly monsoon winds that bring dry and cold air, making the ambient temperature colder than usual. Bediding, which often occurs from June to September, reaches its peak in August.
Bediding is a condition in which the ambient temperature feels colder than normal. This phenomenon occurs due to the easterly monsoon winds, which bring dry and cold air, and the lack of cloud cover, which prevents heat radiation from the earth’s surface from being trapped. According to BMKG, the lowest temperature recorded in Malang over the past 30 years was 11.3°C in August 1994.
Health Impacts of Bediding
Extreme cold temperatures can affect health, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Common health problems include hypothermia and respiratory illness. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops dramatically, disrupting the normal functioning of the body’s organs. Respiratory illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis may also recur as cold air irritates the respiratory tract.
Extreme cold temperatures can affect the body’s comfort index, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly. This can lead to various health problems, such as hypothermia and respiratory illnesses. Therefore, people in bedridden areas need to take preventive measures such as wearing warm clothes and maintaining a healthy body.
According to Dr Agus Dwi Susanto, SpP, a pulmonary specialist, cold air can trigger coughs and colds. This is especially true for people with allergic types of coughs and colds. People with bronchitis and asthma may experience symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath due to cold weather. The same goes for those with allergic rhinitis. In the general population, cold air can cause irritation to the upper and lower respiratory tract, as well as disrupt the local immune system of the respiratory tract, thereby increasing the risk of respiratory infections that are usually characterised by cough and cold symptoms.
Immune System Impairment
Extreme cold temperatures can also weaken the body’s immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. A drop in body temperature can affect blood flow and organ function, including the immune system’s ability to fight off pathogens. As a result, the risk of developing diseases such as flu and pneumonia increases during the bediding period.
Protection and Prevention
To deal with the impact of bediding, the public is advised to always monitor weather and temperature forecasts from BMKG. People should wear warm clothes, especially at night, and maintain their health conditions by eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.
Some steps that can be taken to deal with the bediding phenomenon include:
- Use of Warm Clothes: People should wear warm clothes, especially at night when the temperature drops drastically.
- Consumption of Nutritious Food: Eat nutritious food to keep your stamina and immune system strong.
- Exercise Regularly: Exercise regularly to keep your body fit and increase your body’s resistance to cold temperatures.
- Medical Treatment: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of hypothermia or respiratory illness for proper treatment.
By taking these preventive measures, the negative impact of the bediding phenomenon can be minimised. People should remain vigilant and take the necessary preventive measures to safeguard their health during periods of extreme cold temperatures.
BMKG’s role in dealing with bediding
BMKG plays an important role in providing information and socialisation about the bedding phenomenon. Accurate weather forecasts can better prepare the public for these extreme conditions. BMKG also continues to conduct research to understand more about bedding and its impact and provide recommendations for appropriate preventive measures.
BMKG, as the agency responsible for monitoring weather and climate conditions, has a very important role in dealing with the bediding phenomenon. Additionally, BMKG provides accurate information on weather and temperature forecasts, so that people can be better prepared to deal with these extreme conditions. In addition, BMKG also conducts research to understand more about the bediding phenomenon and its impacts. This research is important to provide recommendations for appropriate and effective preventive measures.
The information provided by BMKG is very useful for the general public. With accurate weather forecasts, they can take the necessary preventive measures to protect their health. BMKG also conducts socialisation about the bediding phenomenon and its impacts, so that people can better understand the conditions that occur and how to deal with them.
Preparation is important
The bediding phenomenon in the southern region of Java shows the importance of preparedness and adaptation to weather changes. Extreme cold temperatures brought by the easterly monsoon can have a negative impact on human health, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Therefore, people should always monitor weather and temperature forecasts from BMKG, and take the necessary preventive measures.
The community needs to work together in dealing with the bediding phenomenon. With good collaboration, the negative impacts of this phenomenon can be minimised, so that welfare and productivity are maintained. In addition, it is important to always follow the latest information from BMKG and take the necessary preventive measures to protect ourselves from the adverse effects of bediding.
With good preparedness and collaboration, we can better deal with the bediding phenomenon and minimise its negative impacts. Stay healthy, protect yourself from extreme cold temperatures, and always monitor information from BMKG to better deal with the bediding phenomenon.
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