In many parts of the country, the temperatures are rising exponentially even before the onset of summer. It is in this order that the Union Health Ministry has issued a key advisory. The India Meteorological Department has issued the first heat warning for 2023 in the wake of intense heat from March to May. It is in this context that the Union Health Ministry has issued a guideline as part of the National Action Plan on Heat-related Illness. It also provides a list of summer “do’s and don’ts”.
It is suggested to drink enough water whenever possible even if you are not thirsty. Citizens are asked to use oral rehydration solution (ORS), home-made drinks like lemon juice, buttermilk/lassi, fruit juices with little salt. It is said to wear thin, loose clothes, cotton clothes.. It is best to wear light colored ones. The ministry advised to cover the head using umbrella, hat, towels and other traditional head gear during direct exposure to sunlight. Asks to listen to the radio, read newspapers and watch TV for local weather news. It also said that people can also track the India Meteorological Department website.
It said people should stay indoors in well-ventilated, cool areas. “Prevent direct sunlight, heat waves: keep windows and curtains closed during the day. Especially those whose houses are on the sunny side. Open windows to let in cool air at night,” the Union Health Ministry advised.
The Ministry of Health has suggested that you should plan to go outside during the cold weather and reschedule your activities in the morning and evening. People are asked to avoid going out in the sun especially between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. If you are in the sun, you should avoid strenuous activities.
According to the Union Ministry, infants, small children, pregnant women, people working outdoors, people with mental illness, physically ill people, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, people coming from a cold climate to a hot climate are vulnerable to high temperatures. are on the list.
“Avoid cooking during intense sunlight. Open doors and windows to adequately ventilate the cooking area. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, carbonated soft drinks or drinks with large amounts of sugar. “These may actually lead to loss of more body fluid or cause stomach cramps,” advises the Union Health Ministry. Avoid high protein foods. Do not leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. It states that the temperature inside the vehicle can become dangerous.
The Union Health Ministry has asked people to watch out for symptoms of “heat stress” such as dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, extreme thirst, decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat. Anyone seen with high body temperature should immediately call 108/102.
