Chennai, April 27 (IANS). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the temperature may rise further in many districts in the coming days. Amidst the ever-increasing heat, health experts have advised to be alert about the risk of heatwave-related diseases.
Doctors say that the two most important measures to stay safe in the scorching heat are to be alert and consume ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) regularly.
According to experts, the normal temperature of the human body is around 36.9 degrees Celsius. When the outside temperature goes much above this, the body begins to absorb heat from the surroundings. To prevent this, the body tries to keep itself cool through processes like sweating and rapid breathing, but these natural mechanisms can weaken when exposed to extreme heat for a long time.
Due to excessive sweating, water, glucose and essential salts are rapidly removed from the body, which increases the risk of dehydration. If you do not pay attention in time, it can lead to muscle cramps, dizziness, fatigue, weakness and in severe cases, even heatstroke and unconsciousness.
Doctors have warned that dehydration can also affect vital organs like kidneys and heart. Its initial symptoms include dry mouth, dark urine, weakness, dizziness and muscle pain.
Experts say that just drinking water is not enough. ORS is more effective in replenishing electrolytes lost from the body in extreme heat. According to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, an ORS packet of 20.5 grams should be dissolved in one liter of boiled and cold water and used within 24 hours.
The administration has appealed to people to avoid direct exposure to sunlight in the afternoon, drink enough water and use ORS if needed, so that serious health problems can be avoided.
–IANS
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