By following certain dos and don’ts outlined below, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of extreme heat.
A heatwave occurs when air temperature becomes dangerously high and poses a threat to human health. According to the IMD’s weather forecast, heatwave conditions are likely to persist over the next few days. It can pose serious health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with certain medical conditions. As temperatures soar, it’s essential to take precautions to protect yourself and others.
Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant Internal Medicine Gleneagles Hospitals parel Mumbai spoke to India.com and shared some dos and don’ts to mitigate the impact of heatwave.
Dos
1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages as they can dehydrate you.
2. Stay Cool: Spend time in air-conditioned spaces, such as shopping malls, libraries, or community centers. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, consider visiting public cooling centers.
3. Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton. Opt for light colours that reflect the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them.
4. Limit Outdoor Activities: If you need to be outdoors, try to do so during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
5. Protect Your Skin: Apply sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from sunburn and UV rays. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for added protection.
Don’ts
1. Don’t Overexert Yourself: Avoid strenuous activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Prolonged physical exertion in high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
2. Don’t Leave Children or Pets in Cars: Temperatures inside a parked car can quickly reach dangerous levels, even with the windows cracked open. Never leave children, pets, or elderly adults in a parked car, even for a short period.
3. Don’t Ignore Symptoms: Pay attention to signs of heat-related illnesses, such as dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, or fainting. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
4. Don’t Forget About Others: Check on elderly relatives, neighbors, and those with chronic medical conditions to ensure they are staying cool and hydrated. Offer assistance if needed, such as transportation to a cooling center or help with grocery shopping.
5. Don’t Rely Solely on Fans: While fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler, they are not effective at lowering body temperature in extreme heat. If temperatures are extremely high, seek out air-conditioned spaces to stay cool.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can help protect yourself and others from the dangers of a heatwave. Stay informed about weather forecasts and heat advisories in your area, and take proactive measures to stay safe and healthy during hot weather conditions.