New Delhi, April 23 (IANS). The heat is increasing rapidly in the country and the risk of heatwave or heat wave is continuously increasing. According to health experts, children and the elderly need to take special precautions in this season. According to experts, the body of people of this age group is not able to control the temperature quickly, due to which they can become vulnerable to heat wave.
According to the National Health Mission (NHM), children and the elderly are most at risk of heatstroke during this season. Due to their age, the body is not able to control the temperature quickly, which can cause serious problems like dehydration and heat stroke. In such a situation, special care of people of these two age groups is necessary.
Children’s bodies are not yet fully developed and their sweat glands are also less active. At the same time, in elderly people, sometimes due to the effect of medicines or weak health, the body is not able to tolerate the heat. In both cases the risk of heat stroke increases. Health experts say that with a little caution these risks can be reduced to a great extent.
If we look at the main symptoms of heatstroke, they include dizziness, severe headache, excessive sweating, sudden feeling of weakness, feeling like nausea or vomiting. If these symptoms appear in a child or an elderly person, immediately contact a doctor and take them to a cool place. In such a situation, NHM also suggests easy and effective safety measures.
Drink more water: – Provide water to children and the elderly frequently. Lemon water, buttermilk or ORS solution can also be given along with normal water. It is important to consume fluids to avoid dehydration.
Sun Protection:- Wear a cap, glasses and light, loose, cotton clothes while going out. This allows body heat to escape easily.
Stay indoors during the afternoon: – Keep children and elderly people indoors from 12 noon to 4 pm. At this time the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Light and nutritious food: – Avoid heavy food containing too much oil and spices. Give fruits, vegetables, curd and light food which provides coolness to the body and is easily digestible.
Avoid:- Stay away from alcohol, things with high caffeine content and very cold beverages. These can unbalance the body temperature. Consume natural syrup or juice.
Body monitoring: Keep a constant eye on children and the elderly. If they feel tired or show less interest in playing, then give them rest and consult a doctor.
The Health Department advises to use fans, coolers or ACs in homes during the summer season and keep the rooms cool. If anyone suspects heat stroke, bathe him/her with cold water, wipe the body with a wet cloth and seek medical help immediately. With these easy measures, children and the elderly can be protected from the heat.
–IANS
MT/AS
