*— Health Department advises people to save themselves from the upcoming heatwave*
Chandigarh, April 8:
On the directions of Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, the Health Department has issued a detailed precautionary measures to protect the people from the upcoming heatwave in Punjab. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a heatwave is declared in plain areas when the maximum temperature reaches 40°C or more, or when there is a departure from the normal temperature by 4.5°C to 6.4°C. This high temperature disrupts the body's temperature regulation system and can cause various heat-related illnesses.
Urging people to follow the advisory issued by the health department, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr. Hitinder Kaur said all the Civil Surgeons have been given strict instructions to ensure that all health facilities are fully equipped to manage patients suffering from heat related illnesses. Further, required beds have been reserved from District Hospitals to CHC level and PHCs where 24*7 health services are available.
“Refresher training and sensitization of Medical Officers and Specialists has been completed to ensure accurate diagnosis, as well as effective management of heat-related illnesses.” She added. Civil Surgeons have also been instructed to train and sensitize all paramedical Staff as well including ASHAs to ensure that advisories regarding heat wave reach up to the last mile in the community.
She advised that attention should be paid to local weather news through TV, radio, newspapers, etc. Apart from this, the latest weather information can be obtained from the website of the Meteorological Department [http://mausam.imd.gov.in/]. People should plan their daily activities according to predictions in the severe heat wave conditions.
Dr Kaur emphasized that new born babies, children, pregnant women, elderly persons, labourers, obese persons, people with any kind of mental sickness and immuno compromised persons especially suffering from heart diseases or hypertension should follow the advisory in more stringent manner as they are in higher risk of suffering from the heatwave.
DO's AND DON'Ts TO PREVENT HEAT STROKE
*DO's:*
• Do outdoor work in the cool part of the day i.e. morning and evening
• Drink water every half an hour, even if not thirsty. People with epilepsy or heart disease, kidney or liver disease who are on a fluid-restricted diet should consult a doctor before increasing their water intake.
• Wear light coloured full sleeved clothing when working outdoors. Try to wear only cotton clothes in summer
• Use umbrella, hat, towel, turban or dupatta to cover your head from direct sunlight
• People who work in the sun should rest in the shade or keep a wet cloth on their head to maintain the body temperature
• Always carry water when going out in the sun
• Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, oranges, grapes, cucumbers and tomatoes, as they are high in water content
• Offer water to people who come to your home or office for delivery of goods or food
• Use and increase the intake of homemade drinks like lemon water, lassi, coconut water
• Wear sunscreen to protect your skin and dark goggles to protect your eyes
• Eat small meals and eat more often
• Bath frequently in cold water
• Adding straw on roofs or growing vegetables keeps the temperature low
• If exercising, start slowly and eventually increase it over a few days to adjust to the rising body temperature
• Traditional remedies like onion salad and eating raw mango with salt and cumin seeds can prevent heat stroke
*DON'Ts*
• Do not go out barefoot, always wear shoes or slippers when going out in the sun.
• Avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12 noon to 3 pm.
• Avoid cooking during peak summer hours, keep doors and windows open to ventilate the kitchen area well.
• Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated and extra-sweetened beverages, as they actually deplete body fluids.
• Avoid fried food, do not eat stale food.
• Do not leave children or pets in a locked vehicle.
*SYMPTOMS WHICH REQUIRES IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION*
• Altered mental balance with restlessness, difficulty in speaking, irritability, ataxia, slurred speech, slurred speech, seizures etc
• Hot, red and dry skin
• When Body temperature rises to 40 degrees or higher
• Severe headache
• Anxiety, dizziness, fainting and mild headache
• Muscle weakness or spasms lasting more than an hour
• Vomiting (nausea)
• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
*WHAT TO DO:*
Remember, if you find someone with a high body temperature who is unconscious, confused, or has stopped sweating, call the 104 medical helpline immediately. While waiting for the ambulance, begin cooling them by moving them to shade, fanning them, and, if possible, applying cool water to large areas of the skin. Acting quickly can save a life.
