Heatwave: H&FW department issues public health advisory

Avoid getting out in the sun, especially between12:00 noon and 03:00 pm

DIMAPUR — In view of the above-normal temperatures which are likely to prevail over all most parts of the country including Nagaland state, as per the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) seasonal outlook for the summer of 2024, the Department of Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) has issued a public health advisory.

Though the actual temperatures may not be too high in some areas of the state, any appreciable deviation from the normal temperatures have the potential to adversely affect the population, especially the vulnerable groups, the department stated.

Also read: India to experience above-normal rainfall this monsoon: IMD

Public health advisory: extreme heat/heatwave

Do’s

(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 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 headgears during exposure to direct sunlight • Wear shoes or chappals while going out in the sun

Stay alert

• Listen to Radio; watch TV; read Newspaper for local weather news. Get the latest update of weather on IMD websiteathttps://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 • Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day.

(For vulnerable population)

Although anyone at any time can suffer from the heat stress and 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

Other precautions

• Elderly or sick people living alone should be supervised and their health monitored on a daily basis • Try to remain on lower floors during the day. • Use fan, spray bottles, damp cloths and ice towels to cool down body.• Immersing feet in 20°C water above ankle provides rapid cooling by reducing dehydration and thermal discomfort.

Don’ts

• Avoid getting out in the sun, especially between12:00 noon and 03:00 pm. • Avoid strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon.

• Do not go out barefoot.

• Avoid cooking during peak summer hours. Open doors and windows to ventilate cooking area adequately.

• Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks or drinks with large amount of sugar as these actually lead to loss of more body fluid or may cause stomach cramps.

• Avoid high-protein food and do not eat stale food.

• Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicle. Temperature inside a vehicle could get dangerous.

For employers and workers

• Provide cool drinking water at workplace and remind them to drink a cup of water every 20 minutes or more frequently to stay hydrated• Caution workers to avoid direct sunlight • Provide shaded work area for workers; temporary shelter can be created at worksite.• Schedule strenuous and outdoor jobs to cooler times of the day i.e., morning and evening hours.• Increase the frequency and length of rest breaks for outdoor activities- at least every 5 minutes after 1 hour of labour work. • Assign additional workers or slowdown the pace of work • Trained First Aid providers should be available and an emergency response plan should be in place in the event of a heat-related illness. • Pregnant workers and workers with a medical condition or those taking certain medications should discuss with their physicians about working in the heat • If working outdoors, wear light-coloured clothing preferably long sleeve shirt and pants, and cover the head to prevent exposure to direct sunlight • Install temperature and forecast display at the workplace.

Precautions during mass gathering/sports event

• Outdoor/indoor crowded situations increase risk of acute heat-related illnesses (HRI) even in absence of active heatwave alerts in the area.

• Physical exertion, direct sun exposure, overcrowding, and difficult access to water, food and shade may worsen health in vulnerable groups.

• Attendees should stay hydrated, cool, be aware of HRI signs, symptoms and seek medical care.