Amid the intense heatwave that many areas across the country are grappling with, the government has issued a health advisory for the public to keep themselves protected in this scorching heat.
To beat the heat, some of the dos suggested by the government include staying hydrated, staying indoors drinking sufficient water, using oral rehydration solution (ORS), and eating seasonal fruits and vegetables with high water content.
People have also been advised to wear thin, loose, cotton garments in light colors. The advisory further said: “Cover your head: use umbrella, hat, cap, towel, and other traditional headgears during exposure of direct sunlight.” The government has also advised people to limit outdoor activity to cooler times of the day – morning and evening.
The government also enlisted people who are at a greater risk of suffering from heat stress or heat-related illness – including infants, young children, pregnant women, people with mental illness, and people working outdoors to name a few.
As for the don’ts, the government advised against these: Getting out in the sun, especially between 12:00 noon and 03:00 pm; strenuous activities when outside during afternoon, going out barefoot, cooking during peak summer hours among others. Heat rash, heat oedema (swelling of hands, feet and ankles, heat cramps (muscle cramps), heart syncope (fainting), heat stroke are a few of the heat-related illnesses, according to the government’s advisory.
The advisory issued by Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Saturday stated, “Health Facilities need to increase resilience to extreme heat by arranging uninterrupted electricity for constant functioning of cooling appliances, installation of solar panels (wherever feasible), measures to reduce indoor heat through cool/green roof (NDMA guidelines may be referred), window shades, shade outside, etc. Rain Water Harvesting and Recycling Plants may also be explored for self sufficiency in water.”