Union Health Ministry issues Advisory on Heat Wave; Check out Do's and Don'ts

New Delhi: Union Health Ministry under the charge of Dr Harsh Vardhan has issued a health advisory for people to stay safe during the heat wave conditions prevailing in the country.

At present, heat wave conditions are prevailing over parts of East and West Uttar Pradesh, East and West Rajasthan, Vidarbha, East and West Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi.

Heat waves can cause adverse effects on human health, including other sectors. The Health Ministry has suggested the Do's and Don’ts for the citizens to follow.

Dos:

• Stay indoors and in shaded places.


• Use umbrella/hat/cap/towel when outside.


• Wear thin loose cotton, light coloured garments.


• Drink frequently water and salted drinks - lassi, lemon water, fruit juices, ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution). Eat fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, lemon, orange etc.


• Take a frequent cool bath and reduce room temperature: use window shades/curtains, fan, cooler, air conditioner, cross ventilate the room, sprinkle water, keep indoor plants


• The person feeling unwell, especially old aged, young children, pregnant women, those with pre-existing medical conditions, and outdoor workers, should be immediately shifted to a cooler place, put on minimum clothing, be sponged with cold water, applied ice packs wrapped in cloth, and transported to the nearest health facility.

Don’ts:

• Going out in the sun, especially between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm


• Doing strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon.


• Drinking alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks


• Leaving children or pets in a parked vehicle.


• Wearing dark coloured, synthetic and tight clothing.

A heat wave is a period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity, especially in oceanic climate countries. ... Severe heat waves have caused catastrophic crop failures, thousands of deaths from hyperthermia, and widespread power outages due to increased use of air conditioning.

Read Also: ENT Surgeon, Dr Harsh Vardhan Appointed Union Health Minister in Modi Government 2.0

Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a Red Alert — the highest warning level — as temperatures soared to up to 47 degrees Celsius in some parts of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region and central India.

Recently, Rajasthan's Churu recorded 50.3 degree Celsius.

Read Also: RED Alert in Central India: Seek medical advice Immediately for any heat related symptoms