Bhubaneswar: With 41 people succumbing to the heatwave in western Odisha, it’s high time to take precautionary measures to prevent heat-related injuries when you are far from climate-controlled environment.
Sometimes when people are having fun outside in the summer, they don’t realize they are becoming overheated. If the condition reaches the level of heatstroke, it’s serious and immediate medical attention is needed.
It is pertinent to note that entire Odisha is in the grip of an intense heat wave for the last week. On Thursday, Jharsuguda witnessed the season’s highest temperature at 47 degrees C emerging as the hottest place in the State. Titilagarh, Bargarh and Sambalpur also turned a frying cauldron with 46.5, 46.3 and 46.2 degrees C respectively.
Other towns where mercury crossed 45 degrees C are Sonepur (45.6), Malkangiri (45.6), Bhawanipatna (45.5), Bolangir (45.3) and Hirakud (45.2).
While living in different regions of the state has already become difficult owing to the soaring mercury and sweltering conditions, the breakout of various ailments is also not ruled out. Heat-related illnesses can be best prevented if the vulnerable populations/ communities are made aware of prevention tips basic dos and Don’ts through the effective use of various media. Physicians and pharmacists must have knowledge of effective prevention and first-aid treatment of heat-related illnesses.
It is also crucial to have an awareness of the potential side effects of prescription drugs during hot weather, to ensure the mitigation of heat illnesses.
Below are a few heatwave Dos and DON’Ts to keep you cool during the scorching heat and prevent heat-related diseases.
DOs
Heat wave conditions can result in physiological strain, which could even result in death. To minimise the impact during the heat wave and to prevent serious ailment or death because of heat stroke, you can take the following measures:
• Avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12.00 noon and 3.00 pm.
• Drink sufficient water and as often as possible, even if not thirsty to keep yourself hydrated.
• Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, and porous cotton clothes. Use protective goggles, an umbrella/hat, shoes or chappals while going out in sun.
• Avoid strenuous activities when the outside temperature is high. Avoid working outside between 12 noon and 3 pm.
• While travelling, carry water with you.
• Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks, which dehydrate the body.
• Avoid high-protein food and do not eat stale food.
• If you work outside, use a hat or an umbrella and also use a damp cloth on your head, neck, face and limbs.
• Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
• If you feel faint or ill, see a doctor immediately.
• Use ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, and buttermilk, which help to rehydrate the body.
• Keep animals in shade and give them plenty of water to drink.
• Keep your home cool, use curtains, shutters or sunshades and open windows at
• Use fans, and damp clothing and take bath in cold water frequently.
Tips For Treatment Of A Person Affected By Sunstroke:
• Lay the person in a cool place, under shade. Wipe her/him with a wet cloth/wash the body frequently. Pour normal temperature water on the head. The main thing is to bring down the body temperature.
• Give the person ORS to drink or lemon sarbat/torani or whatever is useful to rehydrate the body.
• Take the person immediately to the nearest health center. The patient needs immediate hospitalisation, as heat strokes could be fatal.
DON’Ts
• Avoid going out in the sun, especially between 11.00 noon and 3.00 p.m.
• Avoid strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon.
• Do not go out barefoot.
• Avoid cooking during peak hours. Open doors and windows to ventilate the cooking area
• Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks which dehydrate the body.
• Avoid high-protein food and do not eat stale food.
• Do not leave children, pets or anybody in parked vehicles – as they may get affected by
• Don’t drink cold drinks with ice as they can cause stomach cramping
