"Wear loose clothes, drink water": AIIMS professor cautions against heatwave conditions
May 20, 2024
New Delhi [India], May 20 : As temperature soars and heat wave kicks in, Dr Neeraj Nishchal, professor in the Department of Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi, advised the public to exercise caution during peak heat hours to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Dr Nishchal emphasized the heightened risk of heat-related problems during the hottest parts of the day, particularly in the afternoon. "It is essential that we should preferably not step out when the temperature is very high, especially in the afternoon, that is when the maximum chances of heat-related illness happen," he stated.
Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly at risk, he said.
"Extemer phases, elderly, kids, or people with co-morbidies, even those who are healthy should also take care. The younger population, they exert themselves, so they must prevent themselves," Dr Nischal stated.
"If you are playing in hot and humid conditions, then heat related problems can even happen to the younger population. It is essential to take precautions and not exert themselves. Any normal individual should drink atleast 3-4 litres of water, whatever you consume should be kept in mind with the co-morbidities. Any fiscal activity should not be performed during the peak heat hours, wear loose clothes, light coloured clothes," he adviced.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe heatwave red alert warning for the states of Punjab and Haryana and the capital, Chandigarh. The warning comes as temperatures soar across Northwest India, with IMD predicting continued heatwave to severe heatwave conditions over the next five days.
Additionally, there is also the possibility of a severe heat wave in the districts of Una, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Solan, (Nalagarh, Baddi, Parwanoo), Siramur (DhaulaKuan Paonta Sahib) and Kangra (Gaggal, Nupur, Indora, Fatehpur, Dehra, Jaswan) and adjoining areas, the IMD said.
It further raised high health concerns for vulnerable people, including the elderly and infants. The IMD has also advised people to avoid heat exposure in areas that are on orange alert. It is also advised to drink sufficient water, even if not thirsty to avoid dehydration.
