As temperatures hover between 40°C and 45°C and the IMD predicts hotter days ahead, Dr Ravindra Khaiwal , Professor, Community Medicine and Public Health, PGI, Chandigarh, who has created, ‘VAAYU’ , a comic on ‘Climate Change & Heatwaves’ for kids, gives some practical tips and preventive measures to avoid heat stroke/exhaustion and what to do in case it happens. Symptoms Headache Dizziness/fainting Very high body temperature (104°C to 106°C) Extreme sweating (in exhaustion) Hot dry skin/No sweating (In case of heat stroke) Seizures Cramps Red rashes Nausea/vomiting Rapid breathing and pulse Those at risk Labourers, delivery persons, elderly, children, sportspersons, farmers, rickshaw-pullers, etc People with respiratory issues, heart problems, hypertension, mental health patients, kidney disorders Preventive measures Avoid going out between noon and 4 pm If you have to go, wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothes Take frequent breaks Keep yourself hydrated. Sip water frequently Use an umbrella or keep the head covered Avoid cooking during peak hours Limit physical activity to early morning or late evening Have traditional drinks like chhachh, nimbu paani, sattu, kokum sherbat, etc Avoid tea, coffee, sugary and fizzy drinks Have light or steamed food What to do Bring the person in shade immediately Loosen clothes If he/she is alert, give water or ORS Lay down the person with feet elevated, but on a side in case of vomiting Sponge with cool tap water and apply wet.
