As Mumbai experiences rising temperatures this summer, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a yellow alert for Mumbai, Thane, Palghar and parts of Maharashtra on April 15. They have also predicted hot weather and heatwave conditions in parts of state including Sangli, Solapur and Akola.
While heatwaves are now becoming a regular phenomenon due to rising global temperatures, Mumbai, which has become a concrete jungle, is also facing the wrath of the heat, which can affect a lot of people in different ways. It is also why people need to stay safe especially when they are stepping out during the summer season.
A poster issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the same post explains the phenomenon and how it affects the body and the need for heatstroke management.
It says, “Rise in 1 degrees Celsius of global warming results in longer duration of heat waves.” The advisory further adds that insufficient hydration during heat wave impairs body`s innate ability to cool during high temperatures, resulting in a heat stroke.
Here are five easy tips to avoid a heat stroke
1. Avoid heavy work during mid-noon2. Drink lots of water 3. Avoid drinking heavily caffeinated or sugary drinks which may cause dehydration 4. Wear light coloured clothes5. Take frequent rests between work when outside
Here are four easy first aid tips for heat stroke
1. Place the person in a cool area lying down 2. Provide cold compression3. Give short sips of chilled water 4. After the person copes up, give foods high in moisture.
While these health tips may seem easy, one may often ignore them, or take the heatwave for granted. However, it is important to follow them.
Important facts to know about heatwaves
What is a heatwave?
The IMD highlights that Heat Waves are a period of unusually high temperatures as compared to what is normally expected over a region.
While the temperature to declare a heatwave may depend from region to region, it says the impact of heat waves get aggravated by supportive meteorological factors such as high humidity, high wind speed, duration of heat wave events.
Who is most vulnerable?
While heatwaves affect people of all ages, elderly, children, sick or overweight as they are more likely to become victims of excessive heat, and it is important for them to take care during this time. More importantly, people who also work outdoors a lot, and are constantly travelling should take special care.
What are the symptoms?
Some of the early signs include exhaustion, heatstroke, fainting, fatigue, weakness and dizziness.
What are the precautions that can be taken?
Some of the precautions that can be taken include staying indoors and remaining cool at all times. If you feel dizzy or ill, it is important to visit the doctor.
