Panjim: With the mercury soaring above normal, the Directorate of Health Services has issued a health advisory urging the public to take precautions to safeguard their health.
The public has been advised to stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water whenever possible, carrying drinking water, utilise Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), consume beverages like lemon water, butter milk/lassi, fruit juices with some added salt and incorporate fruits and vegetables in diet.
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The public have also been advised to wear loose light coloured cotton garments, use umbrellas, hats, caps, towels as shields from direct sunlight and also asked to wear shoes and sandals when moving outdoors. “Stay attuned to weather forecasts, through TV, radio, newspapers, or India Meteorological Department (IMD) website,” states the press release.
The public has been advised to stay indoors during hot summer afternoons and keep doors and windows closed to ward off the heat during the day and open them at night for ventilation.
Stating that infants, outdoor workers, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions were a a greater risk, it was necessary to take precautions for their well being.
Employers have been advised to provide cool drinking water to workers, schedule strenuous tasks for cooler parts of the day, provide with rest breaks, educate them on heat related illnesses, ensure proper acclimatisation for new workers in hot environment while workers have been told to work in the shade.
During mass gathering of events, mthe public has been asked to be mindful of heat related illnesses, stay hydrated, seek shade and be aware of symptoms requiring medical attention. Heat-related illnesses range from mild heat, rash to heat stroke. Watch for symptoms like diziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat and altered mental state. Seek immediate medical help.
For emergencies, Call 108/102 immediately if you find someone with high body temperature and is either unconscious, confused, or has stopped sweating, says a press release.
