Do’s And Don’ts To Battle The Heat Wave

Do’s And Don’ts To Battle The Heat Wave

In the wake of severe heat wave conditions in Bhubaneswar and neighbouring districts, the IMD has appealed to citizens to stay safe and hydrated and avoid going out in the afternoon. A person suffering from a heat stroke should immediately be taken to hospital, it said, and asked people to increase the intake of water and other healthy fluids.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘yellow alert’ of a heat wave at some places in Subarnapur, Boudh, Bolangir, Angul and Sambalpur districts. Such conditions may prevail in Jharsuguda, Nayagarh, Balesore and Mayurbhanj. A yellow warning denotes that the conditions would continue for two days, during which people should avoid exposure to heat. It is tolerable, but there is a moderate health concern for vulnerable sections like the elderly and infants. The people who work outdoors and under the sun should take precautions. My City Links consulted with Dr. Halim Sheikh to know more about the dos and don’ts of such weather. 

“Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of fluids,” is the first advice that the doctor had to give. “To minimise the impact during the heatwave and to prevent a serious ailment or death because of heat stroke, one should avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm. People should carry water while going out in the afternoon. Drink sufficient water and as often as possible, even if not thirsty. Avoid strenuous activities when the outside temperature is high. Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles,” he added.

He also asked citizens to avoid tea, coffee, soft drinks, high-protein and stale food as it dehydrates the body. He suggested that people use a hat or an umbrella and also use a damp cloth on the head, neck, face and limbs if they work outdoors. “You should take ORS (oral rehydration salts) and homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water and buttermilk which help to rehydrate the body. Use fans and take bath in cold water frequently. If a person faints or falls ill, he/she should see a doctor immediately,” he stated.

He also suggested that if a person suffers from sun stroke, he/she should lie in a cool place under a shade. Wipe with a wet cloth or wash the body frequently, and pour normal temperature water on the head. The person should immediately be taken to the nearest health centre. “The patient needs immediate hospitalisation, as heat strokes could be fatal,” said the doctor. 

A heat wave is a prolonged period of unusually high temperatures for a region. To be considered a heat wave, the temperatures have to be outside the historical averages for a given area.

With a serious heat wave blanketing many parts of the nation the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) says this week’s temperatures will usher in the first heat wave of the summer amid.