Heatwave in India: Tips to remain healthy during summer

As a number of states swelter under scorching heat, India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued heat wave warnings for several regions. Extreme heat waves can have detrimental impact especially on elderly, children, and pregnant women, as per doctors.

Amidst heatwave forecasts, several state governments have released guidelines. Meanwhile, IMD has advised the public to stay hydrated during the hot weather and take precautions.

1. One Must Stay Hydrated

These extreme hit weather calls for drinking water and one needs to consume at least 2-2.5 litres of water daily. The intake of water with salt, coconut water with salt, and lemon water with salt can be useful.

2. Avoid Exposure to Heated Environments

In order to prevent heat-related illnesses, one must avoid prolonged exposure to heated environments. One needs to avoid exercising in heat. One must be aware that heatstroke is a serious medical condition.

3. Limit Physical Activities

Apart from staying hydrated, one must limit physical activities which can increase your body temperature.

4. Food Intake

During this extreme heatwave condition, one must reduce protein intake. People must increase consumption of fruits and vegetables with high water content. Expecting mothers must avoid caffeine. One must consume beverages such as fresh fruit juice and buttermilk can help.

5. Choice of Clothes

While choice of attire is completely a matter of personal choice, the heatwave conditions require a certain type of clothing if one wants to get a relief. One must wear loose fitting clothes which minimize the effect of heat on the body.

6. Keep Cool Ambience

One can keep his/her home cool during the heatwave. Closing the curtains to prevent sun rays may help.

7. Know Symptoms

While detrimental impact of heatwaves on a human body can differ person to person, one should take additional precaution to mitigate the effect of severe heat. Other adverse effects can lead to weakness, lethargy, body aches. In severe cases, there may be heat strokes which causes loss of consciousness and seizures.

FAQs

Q1. What defines a heatwave?
A1. Heat wave is a condition of air temperature which becomes fatal to human
body when exposed. It is defined based on the temperature thresholds over a region in terms of actual temperature or its departure from normal.

Q2. What is the criteria for declaring heat wave?
A2. Heat wave is considered if maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degree Celsius or more for Plains and at least 30 degree Celsius or more for Hilly regions.