The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced a heatwave in Odisha, and with the temperature rising in Odisha and other parts of the country, it is crucial to prioritize your health.
On Wednesday, day temperatures in 14 places in the state exceeded 40°C, and the IMD has cautioned that temperatures may rise by 3°C to 4°C at many places in Odisha in the coming days.
Here are some heat wave Dos and DON’Ts to help you stay cool during the scorching heat and prevent heat-related illnesses:
DOs
- Avoid going out in the sun, particularly between 12.00 noon and 3.00 pm.
- Drink enough water and as often as possible, even if not thirsty, to keep yourself hydrated.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose, and breathable cotton clothes. Use protective goggles, an umbrella/hat, shoes, or chappals while going out in the sun.
- Avoid strenuous activities when the outside temperature is high. Avoid working outside between 12 noon and 3 pm.
- While traveling, carry water with you.
- Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks, which dehydrate the body.
- Avoid high-protein foods 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.
- Use fans, and damp clothing, and take a bath in cold water frequently.
Tips for Treating a Person Affected by Sunstroke:
- Lay the person in a cool place, under shade. Wipe them 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 hospitalization, as heat strokes could be fatal.
DON’Ts
- Avoid going out in the sun, especially between 11.00 noon and 3.00 pm.
- 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 foods and do not eat stale food.
- Do not leave children, pets, or anybody in parked vehicles – as they may get affected by heatstroke.
- Don’t drink cold drinks with ice as they can cause stomach cramping.
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