Drink plenty of water, lassi, lemon water and other liquids during heat wave conditions
May 6 (Punjab Khabarnama) : District Health department has advised residents to avoid sun exposure and stay indoors as much as possible in view of heat wave conditions, which could lead to severe to moderate health concerns for vulnerable people. They said that the weather is usually very hot these days, so people need to protect themselves from the heat wave. They added that the effect of the heat wave could be more on the elderly and children, so measures need to be taken to avoid heat.
“People who may be most affected by the heat include pregnant women, new-borns, labourers, farmers or people working in the open air, the homeless, people living on the roadsides or on the sidewalks, in harsh climates, People suffering from mental or physical illness especially those suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure, people suffering from obesity. Such people may develop dehydration, which can lead to heatstroke.” Civil Surgeon Dr Davinder Kumar and District Epidemiologist Dr Subhash Kumar said. They added that due to heat the temperature rises which can cause dehydration in the body; the person may feel dizzy and may fall unconscious. Due to severe heat, some illnesses may occur like dizziness, headache and vomiting, red, hot and dry skin, chronic diseases, muscle weakness etc.
Do’s
Keep your home cool. Keep windows and doors closed during the day. Drink plenty of water, lassi, lemonade and other fluids. Drink water every half hour. Take water along when going out. Keep the body cool. Wear light colored clothes. Wear glasses and keep your head covered when going out. If outdoors, find a cool place to sit, such as a tree or other shade. Eat seasonal fruits. Don’t go out barefoot.
Don’ts
Avoid going out during severe heat. Do not leave children or animals in a parked vehicle. Don’t go out in the hot sun. Avoid alcohol, tea and coffee. Avoid strenuous physical activity as much as possible. Avoid cooking during the hottest time. Keep the kitchen area ventilated.