New Delhi: The union health ministry on Wednesday issued a heatwave advisory, in view of the sudden rise in temperature in certain parts of the country. With the substantial deviation from the expected normal temperature at this time of the year, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan issued effective guidelines to address the impact of the heat.
Besides advising the state governments to continue efforts on sanitisation and capacity building of medical officers, health staff and grassroots level workers on heat illnesses, the ministry also instructed that people should be prepared with essential medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs, and ORS (oral rehydration solution).
The ministry suggested that people should stay hydrated throughout the day and have oral rehydration solutions (ORS) if required.
“They should keep their water intake high by taking seasonal fruits and vegetables with high water content. People should consume homemade drinks like lemon water, lassi and fruit juices with some added salt,” the statement read.
In terms of nutrition, the health ministry advised avoiding alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks or drinks with large amounts of sugar as “these actually, lead to loss of more body fluid or may cause stomach cramps”.
Indians have been advised to avoid high-protein food and stale food that causes dehydration during a heatwave since the food takes time to digest. “A longer digestion process increases heat in the body, triggering dehydration. To help ease your stomach from pain or increase body heat, have foods like lemon water, coconut water, buttermilk and fluids rich in electrolytes instead of having tea and coffee. Spicy foods should be avoided as well,” Dr Komal Malik, Head dietician, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, told indiatoday.in
As per the expert, have fresh fruits and vegetable juices with your meals and consume a plant-based diet.
People have also been advised to wear light, loose, cotton clothing to remain cool and to cover their heads from direct sunlight.
“Block direct sunlight and heat waves: Keep windows and curtains closed during the day, especially on the sunny side of your house. Open them up at night to let cooler air in,” the advisory read.
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