Heatwave takes a toll on people's health in India; red alert issued

Intense heat wave is taking a toll on people’s health across the country. The soaring temperature across the country has become a major concern and the Met department has issued red alert in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Maharashtra for the coming days. Red alert is the highest level warning for heat, as per Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). 

One of the worst consequences of such severe weather condition is Heat Stroke. It is a medical emergency and results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures (40 deg C) or physical exertion -- usually in combination with dehydration.

Experts say that, if left untreated, this condition can affect vital organs and can prove fatal in severe cases. Recently there were number of fatalities across the country especially in North part of India due to blazing heat. Phalodi, a town off the Bikaner-Jaisalmer highway in west Rajasthan recorded an all-time high temperature at 50.5 degrees Celsius and Ahmedabad broke 100 years record with temperature settling at 48 degrees.

Besides, the national capital is also sizzling at over 45 degrees Celsius. Medical experts advise to avoid exposure to direct sunlight, especially during afternoons from 12 to 4 PM.

The symptoms of Heatstroke:

• Sudden rise in body temperature
• Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness, Nausea and vomiting
• Lack of sweating despite the heat
• Red, hot, and dry skin

 Dr Raman Abhi, Additional director of a leading hospital has given some of the tips to prevent Heatstroke:

• Avoid very sudden temperature changes – shut off the cooling to reach room temperature for five minutes before stepping out in the sun
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, especially during afternoons, if unavoidable, cover your head
• Wear light-coloured cotton clothing so that there is enough ventilation
• Keep yourself well hydrated – drink 5 to 7 ltrs of water during the day 

Dr Daljeet Kaur, Head Nutritionist says when you feel heat stroke rush to a shed and avoid immediate contact with AC air. Let the body come to a normal temperature and keep your body hydrated to avoid sunstroke. Keep drinking water and cover your head. Avoid taking bath immediately after coming from heat.

Some of the drinks that will help avoid heatstroke:

• Water
• Lemon water- a glass of water with pinch of salt & sugar is best after water
• Coconut water- tender water is best
• Shikanji- one glass of shikanji will give you 60 kilo calorie with vitamin C and sodium. To shed your tiredness this is the best in summers
• Chaanch- combination of water, curd, green chili, cumin powder, asafetida, and salt will provide you 30 Kilo Calorie. This will help you to refresh quickly. 
• Lasssi- curd, sugar & roohafza will give you 120 Kilo Calorie and immediate energy
• Aam Panna- boiled raw mango, lemon, sliced pudina, salt and cumin powder mixed in chilled water will give you 60 Kilo Calorie and work to balance the electrolyte in body.
• Jal Jeera- water, sliced pudina, lemon, amchoor powder, cumin powder, black salt & salt will give you 10 Kilo Calorie and work as anti oxidant.