by Jahangir Sofi
SRINAGAR: Amidst the rise in both day and night temperatures in Kashmir, with a forecast of continued hot and dry weather for the coming days, health experts have issued important guidelines to help people prevent heat-related illnesses.
Dr Muhammad Salim Khan, HoD community medicine, GMC Srinagar while speaking to Kashmir Life highlighted the importance of staying hydrated, recommending several measures for those exposed to the heat, particularly outdoor workers, and students.
Stay Hydrated
Dr Khan advised increasing water intake, even in the absence of thirst. He stressed the need for outdoor workers, including agricultural labourers, to drink water frequently. He also suggested prioritizing outdoor activities during the cooler hours of the morning and evening and avoiding the midday heat.
Diet
To combat the heat, Dr Khan also recommended consuming fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as melons and citrus fruits, and drinking electrolyte-rich fluids like coconut water and fruit juice. He warned against caffeinated drinks, which can lead to fluid loss.
Clothing
Dr Khan advised wearing light, loose-fitting clothing in lighter colours to reflect heat and reduce absorption.
Health Risks
The doctor highlighted the risks of excessive heat, including dehydration, heatstroke, and exacerbation of chronic conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure.
Symptoms to watch for include dizziness, nausea, headaches, extreme thirst, and rapid heartbeat. For those experiencing heat stresses, he recommended moving to a cooler place, loosening clothing, and staying hydrated.
Emergency Measures
While advising that during emergencies arising out of heat waves, Dr Khan said that in severe cases of heatstroke, the affected person should be taken to the nearest hospital immediately. If unconscious, he said, one should be provided first aid by sponging with water and loosening clothing and also offer cool water or an ORS solution in small sips.
He said that by following these guidelines, people can better protect themselves from the dangers of rising temperatures and maintain their health during the hot season.
Weather Forecast
Meanwhile, weathermen said on Thursday that the “heat wave” over the plains of Jammu and Kashmir was likely to continue for the next six days.
A meteorological department official through a daily weather update issued to Kashmir Life said that from May 23–28, generally dry weather is expected even as the possibility of thundershower activity at “isolated” places cannot be ruled out.
The weather forecast report says that from May 29-31, weather is likely to be partly to generally cloudy with light rain and thunder at isolated places.
“Overall, no significant weather activity is expected till May 31,” he said, adding, “Heat wave over plains of Jammu Division & Kashmir Division is likely to continue during next six days”.
The weather forecast update further stated that hilly districts are also likely to experience hot and dry weather during the next six days, urging people to avoid heat exposure and drink a lot of fluid and water, especially vulnerable people, elderly, infants, and children.
