Orange alert is issued when there is a prolonged heat wave condition.
All the cities and areas of Gujarat state are more or less having temperature near 42 degrees Celsius.
With the temperature touching 44 degrees Celsius in Ahmedabad, the weather department has issued an ‘orange alert’ for the city.
In this situation get yourselves prepared to help ensure a safe, healthy summer, make sure you know how to prevent, recognize and treat heat-related illness.
Who is at risk for heat-related illnesses:
- Infants
- Babies and small children
- Children and teens who engage in prolonged or intense physical activity in the sun. sports etc
- Pregnant females
- Older aged individual
- Person suffering from any chronic or acute illness.
- Common heat-related illnesses
- Dehydration
Individual can become dehydrated when they lose more body fluid by sweating or urinating than they replace by drinking. Dehydration increases the risk of other heat-related illnesses because it interferes with the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
- Dry or sticky mouth and lips
- Vertigo
- Low or no urine output; concentrated urine appears dark yellow
- Being irritable or cranky
- Seeming bored or uninterested
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Chills
- Fatigue
In severe cases, dehydration can cause:
- Sunken eyes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lethargy or coma
- Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke – a medical emergency are more common risks for children and teens who engage in prolonged or intense physical activity in the sun, for example during sports practice
Prevention points:
Stay cool in high temperatures:
- Limit outdoor activities during peak sun hours (10am to 4pm)
- Stay out of direct sunlight and crowded areas
- Rest often in shady areas or go to an air-conditioned space
- Wear wide-brimmed hats and lightweight, light-colored, loose cotton clothing
- Cover your body if you are sneaking out in the sun. Use an umbrella, face and body coat
- Protect your eyes by wearing goggles
- Stay hydrated by plenty of fluids. Water is a good option, also use fresh fruits, fruit juice, glucose water, lime water, coconut water etc
- Avoid taking very chilled drinks soon after exposure to sun
- Cool the body with water
- Maintain hygiene to avoid skin complaints and urinary tract infection.
If still sign and symptoms persist or get worsen immediately contact your physician or ask for the help from the nearest hospital.
In homoeopathy also, there are many medicines available for the treatment of bad effects of heat stroke, heat cramps and skin issues due to exposure to sun- sunburns etc.