New Delhi, May 18: In response to rising temperatures and ongoing heatwave conditions across various regions, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released a comprehensive public health advisory through the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in coordination with the AYUSH Ministry.
The advisory provides detailed guidance for the general public, vulnerable groups, employers, workers, and participants in large gatherings and sports events on how to protect themselves from heat stress and heat-related illnesses. It emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated, avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours, wearing light cotton clothing, and consuming seasonal fruits and electrolyte-rich fluids.
Additionally, the advisory highlights the need for special care and monitoring for infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals suffering from chronic conditions such as heart disease and hypertension during extreme heat and heatwave conditions.
Specific precautions for workplaces, public gatherings, and outdoor activities are recommended. These include providing shaded rest areas, ensuring regular breaks for hydration, implementing acclimatization measures for workers, and raising awareness about the symptoms of heat stress.
Citizens are warned to be vigilant for dangerous signs of heat-related illnesses, such as dizziness, headaches, nausea, changes in mental state, high body temperature, dehydration, seizures, and fainting. Heatstroke is classified as a medical emergency requiring immediate assistance, with a recommendation to call emergency helplines 108/102.
The advisory also incorporates traditional health and preventive measures from various AYUSH systems, including Ayurveda, Siddha, Yoga, Unani, and Homeopathy, to combat heatwave conditions.
In the Ayurveda section, dietary recommendations are provided to help regulate body temperature, including the consumption of cooling liquids like buttermilk, coconut water, and lemon-based drinks, as well as traditional remedies such as ‘Nimbuk Phal Pank’ and ‘Amra Prapank’. The Siddha and Yoga sections suggest adopting cooling beverages, breathing techniques like Shitali Pranayama, and gentle yoga practices to alleviate heat stress.
The Unani method recommends traditional cooling drinks and herbal pastes to prevent sun-related issues, while the Homeopathy section suggests precautionary measures during extreme heat.
Furthermore, individuals are encouraged to incorporate hydrating and cooling foods into their daily diets, such as cucumbers, watermelons, lemons, melons, bottle gourd, and tomatoes.
Citizens are also advised to regularly monitor weather updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and take necessary precautions during heatwave warnings.
–
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment