Aapda-Samvaad

Protect children from heat wave
#BeatTheHeatIndia

Young children and infants are more vulnerable to heat wave than healthy adults. Their bodies generate more heat (higher metabolic rate), sweat less and get dehydrated easily. Further, they are dependent on parents/caregivers for taking care of their needs and keeping them safe.
For infants/toddlers
Keep them in a cool, shaded place; breastfeed infants regularly/give enough milk and water to toddlers. Cool them down by sponging with lukewarm water.
Watch out for these symptoms: high body temperature with lethargy, sunken and dry eyes, loose skin, dry mouth and less urination. If they show any of these symptoms, take them to a doctor immediately. Remember, the medication used for a fever will not work for heat-related ailments. Never give them medicines on your own.
For young/school going children
Give them plenty of fluids (water, homemade drinks like lassi, torani, lemon water, fruit juice, buttermilk, coconut water) throughout the day.  …

Heat Wave: Help the elderly

#BeatTheHeatIndia
People age. And as they do, their body loses its ability to respond swiftly to rapid temperature rise. They may even experience non-exertional heat stroke simply by virtue of being in a hot environment for a prolonged period. Some health conditions make them even less adaptable to heat; some aggravate their existing health problems.

The elderly are among the most vulnerable to heat waves. So, what can they do to help themselves? What can others do to help them?

Elders must keep their outdoor activities brief and time it such that they don't have to go out in the sun, especially between 12.00 noon and 3.00 p.m.; eat light and freshly cooked meals; remain hydrated; wear light coloured, lightweight, comfortable cotton clothes; and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Keeping a bottle of water with them at all times is a must. They must also ensure that they have an access to a phone at all times so that they can reach out to their near and dear one…

Heed early warnings; stay safe this summer

#BeatTheHeatIndia

Heat wave is a killer. Even more so as not only it affects major parts of our country for a long period but also because we fail to treat it as a major health concern. Heat wave can cause psychological stress, heat stress and exhaustion, and even death. World Health Organisation (WHO) says that global climate change is projected to further increase the frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves and attributable deaths.
It may not be possible to halt the onslaught of a heat wave but it is very well possible to predict its attack. India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses advanced early warning technology to accurately predict heat wave days in advance and issue timely warnings. Currently, it uses a four-colour coding system - green, yellow, orange and red - to signify a normal day, a heat alert, a severe heat alert and an extreme heat alert, respectively. You can look for these easy-to-understand heat alerts on IMD's w…

Work smart through the summers

#BeatTheHeatIndia

Heat wave affects the human body adversely. More so when one is either exposed to the sunlight for longer hours or does intense physical activity during the daytime, especially between 12.00 noon and 3.00 p.m. This makes a large number of our people such as domestic workers, vegetable vendors, auto repair mechanics, cab drivers, construction workers, police personnel, and road side kiosk operators, either from weaker sections of society or those who do not enjoy the luxury of choice, extremely vulnerable to the adverse impacts of heat waves such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, sun stroke and in extreme cases, even death.
Staying updated with local weather news and planning for the heat wave days is the first thing to do.
If possible, schedule work that requires strenuous physical activity for cooler parts of the day, i.e. any time other than between 12.00 noon and 3.00 p.m.
Remember, water is your saviour. Take baths in cold water as freq…

Beat the heat this summer

#BeatTheHeatIndia

Heat waves in various parts across the country make headlines every year. And not without reason; it is dangerous, even fatal. It is important to be in the know, for a little preparedness can prevent heat-related illnesses and reduce its adverse impact.
Begin with staying up-to-date by tuning in to the radio, watching TV or simply skimming through the newspaper for local weather news and alerts. You can also check out the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) website for detailed and accurate weather forecast.
Now that you are aware of the hot day ahead, what do you do next? Staying indoors and staying hydrated is the best thing to do, especially between 12 noon and 3 p.m.  Drink plenty of water, ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) and homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk, etc. Eat freshly cooked food; include vegetables and fruits in your diet. Alcohol, tea, coffee, carbonated drinks are a strict no-no as…