Staff Reporter
Panaji
With temperatures soaring, the health authorities
have advised people to avoid going outdoors mainly from 12 noon to 3 pm as the temperature is the maximum during this period. It has also advised people to remain hydrated to prevent any heat related illnesses.
“We are already experiencing the heat in Goa. The precautions have to be mainly taken from 12 noon to 3 pm as the temperature is the maximum during this time,” said State
Epidemiologist Dr Utkarsh Betodkar.
“When we speak about prevention, we suggest that the outdoor works be avoided during this time and instead can be done before or after this stretch,” he said.
He said heat related illness also includes exhaustion due to heat.
“If one remains outdoors in the heat for long time, the person may experience symptoms like dizziness, headache and increase in body temperature. One may also experience muscle cramps,” he said.
He advised that
anyone showing signs
of heat exhaustion should be promptly moved to
the shade and laid down with their legs slightly
elevated.
“If possible, the person should be taken indoors in a cooler area under the fan. If the body temperature continues to be high, then sponging can be done to bring down the body temperature. Even after all these measures, if the person continues to feel unwell, then he should be taken to the nearest health centre,” he said.
Dr Betodkar said that if people experience milder symptoms like dizziness and cramps, they can drink lot of water or even consume ORS or other fluids like coconut water or even fresh lime water.
“This will reduce the heat exhaustion,” said the said state
epidemiologist. He also advised that children should be prevented from playing outdoors from 12 noon to 3 pm. “Foods with less protein are easier for
digestion hence avoid consuming meat and dairy products during this season,” he said.
