In view of the rising temperatures and prevailing heatwave conditions in several parts of the country, the Ministry of Ayush has released the advisory for people. The advisory highlights the proper guidelines to people including infants, children, pregnant women, elderly persons, outdoor workers, and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as heart disease and hypertension are particularly vulnerable during heatwave conditions and require special care and monitoring.
The advisory provides detailed guidance for the general public, vulnerable groups, employers, workers, and participants in mass gatherings and sports events to safeguard themselves against heat stress and heat-related illnesses. It emphasizes adequate hydration, avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours, use of light cotton clothing, and consumption of seasonal fruits and fluids rich in electrolytes.
For general population
Stay hydrated:
• Drink sufficient water whenever possible, even if you are not thirsty. Thirst is not a good indicator of
dehydration.
• Carry drinking water when traveling
•Use Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), and consume homemade drinks like lemon water, butter milk/lassi,
fruit juices with some added salt.
• Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables with high water content like water melon, musk melon, orange, grapes,
pineapple, cucumber, lettuce or other locally available fruits and vegetables.
Stay covered:
• Wear thin loose, cotton garments preferably light coloured
• Cover your head: use umbrella, hat, cap, towel and other traditional head gears during exposure to direct
sunlight
• Wear shoes or chappals while going out in sun
Stay alert:
• Listen to Radio; watch TV; read Newspaper for local weather news. Get the latest update of weather on
India Meteorological Department (IMD) website at https://mausam.imd.gov.in/
Stay indoors/in shade as much as possible:
• In well ventilated and cool places
• Block direct sunlight and heat waves: Keep windows and curtains closed during the day, especially on the
sunny side of your house. Open them up at night to let cooler air in.
• If going outdoor, limit your outdoor activity to cooler times of the day i.e., morning and evening
• Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
For vulnerable population
Although anyone at any time can suffer from the heat stress & heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk
than others and should be given additional attention.
These include:
• Infants and young children • People working outdoors
• Pregnant women • People who have a mental illness
• Physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
• Travelers from colder climate to a hot climate should allow one week’s time for their bodies to
acclimatized to heat, avoid overexertion, and should drink plenty of water. Acclimatization is
achieved by gradual increase (over 10-15days) in exposure/physical activity in hot environment
Other precautions
• Elderly or sick people living alone should be supervised and their health monitored on a daily basis.
• Keep your home cool, use curtains, shutters or sunshade and open windows at night.
• Try to remain on lower floors during the day.
• Use fan, spray bottles, damp cloths, ice towels to cool down body.
• Immersing feet in 20°C water above ankle provides rapid cooling by reducing dehydration and thermal
discomfort.
Post a Comment