Appeals to take precautions to protect against heat wave
• Says unnecessary movement outside during afternoon should be avoided
Jalandhar News (May 20): Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia has appealed to people to follow the special advisory issued by the Health Department in view of the ‘heat wave’ conditions predicted by the Meteorological Department in Punjab till May 24.
Appealing to the public, he said that residents of the district can protect themselves from heat wave only by taking proper precautions.
Mr. Walia said that intense sunlight and hot winds can prove harmful to human health, therefore people should avoid unnecessary movement outside during afternoon hours. He said that if it is absolutely necessary to go out during the afternoon, people should keep their heads covered and prefer wearing light-coloured cotton clothes.
He said that umbrellas, caps, towels, turbans or dupattas should be used to protect the head from direct sunlight and people should avoid walking barefoot in the sun. He further said that people working in the sun should take rest in shade after short intervals or keep a wet towel or cloth on their head to maintain body temperature.
Mr. Walia said that in case symptoms of heat stroke appear, people should immediately contact the nearest health centre. He advised people to drink plenty of water and other fluids to prevent dehydration. He also suggested increased consumption of seasonal fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, muskmelon, grapes, cucumber, tomatoes, bottle gourd and ridge gourd, as they contain high water content.
He said that ORS, lemon water, lassi, coconut water and other fluids should be consumed in large quantities.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Health Department to ensure necessary arrangements at all government health centres in the district for prompt treatment of heat-related illnesses. He said that adequate arrangements including ORS and essential medicines should be ensured at health centres.
