Heatwave Alert Issued by Health Department

Hoshiarpur/June 11/Daljeet Ajnoha

— The district health department of Hoshiarpur has issued a detailed advisory for the public after the Meteorological Department warned of rising temperatures and a possible heatwave in the coming days. Authorities have urged residents to take necessary precautions against heat and to seek immediate medical help if symptoms of heatstroke appear.

Civil Surgeon Dr. Mandeep Kamal said temperatures at or above 40°C are considered a heatwave and can disrupt the body’s natural temperature-regulating mechanisms, making people susceptible to heatstroke and other serious heat-related illnesses. She warned that June is the most dangerous month for heatwave-related risks and called for special vigilance.

Dr. Kamal listed key symptoms of heatstroke: body temperature above 40°C, dizziness, fainting or confusion, dry and flushed skin, severe headache, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and muscle weakness. She advised anyone showing these signs to contact the nearest health facility immediately.

Senior medical officer at Civil Hospital Hoshiarpur, Dr. Neha Pal, said a dedicated six-bed heat-stroke ward has been set up at the hospital. The ward is equipped with essential medicines, cooling arrangements, IV fluids and other necessary medical facilities. An ORS corner has also been established to provide quick relief to those suffering from dehydration and heat-related ailments.

Dr. Pal added that ORS corners have been set up in the hospital’s outpatient department, emergency ward and other wards. All health institutions have been instructed to ensure availability of necessary medicines, ORS, fluids and other essential arrangements to treat patients affected by the heatwave.

The civil surgeon advised that if someone suffers a heatstroke, they should be moved to a cool place immediately, have loose clothing, and be covered with wet towels or clothes while a fan is used to circulate air. If conscious, the patient should be given small sips of cool water. Applying ice packs and reaching the nearest hospital quickly is crucial, as delayed treatment can worsen the condition.

District Epidemiologist Dr. Jagdeep Singh urged the public to follow the health department’s do’s and don’ts for heatwave prevention. He said that simple precautions can prevent heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.

Who is at higher risk

Newborns and young children, pregnant women, the elderly, manual labourers, obese persons, people with mental illness, heart disease, high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, kidney or liver disease, and those who consume excessive alcohol are at increased risk. Outdoor workers and athletes who spend long hours in the sun should also take extra care.

What not to do

Avoid going out in the sun from 12 pm to 4 pm unless essential.

Avoid prolonged cooking in hot conditions.

Refrain from excessive consumption of alcohol, tea, coffee, carbonated and very sugary drinks.

Avoid fried and heavy foods.

Never leave children, elderly people or pets inside parked vehicles.

Do not move abruptly from a cool place into intense sunlight, and avoid drinking very cold water immediately.

What to do

Wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothing.

Protect your head with a hat, umbrella, turban, dupatta or cloth.

Carry a water bottle when going out.

Increase intake of rehydrating fluids like lemon water, lassi, buttermilk, coconut water and ORS.

Eat seasonal fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, tomato, orange and grapes.

Take regular shaded breaks when working in the sun.

Use sunscreen and wear dark sunglasses.

The health department has appealed to people to follow the advisory to protect themselves and their families from the adverse effects of the heatwave and to contact the nearest health facility immediately if severe symptoms appear.