Heatwave warning: Are you prepared for it?

Heatwave is a very common word that we all have been listening to since our childhood but do we exactly know what a heatwave is?

A heatwave is a period where the local excess heat accumulates over a sequence of unusually hot days and nights. Heatwave conditions prevail when the maximum temperature of a place crosses 40 degree celsius for the plains and are above normal by 4.5 degree celsius. For coastal areas the threshold is 37 degree celsius and for the hills it is 30 degree celsius.

According to the report this year too in India, temperatures have already started soaring high with four states having recorded either heat wave conditions or warm night conditions between March 27 and April 1. These are Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Chattisgarh Recently in Bihar’s capital Patna, it was predicted by India meteorological department (IMD) that people will experience heat waves from the month of April. As heat waves cause serious ailments such as heat strokes, heat exhaustion and health complications such as cardiovascular issues for older adults. So it’s best to advise people to look for the best general physician in patna and the best hospital in patna to get the best possible care.

Effects of Heatwave

HEALTH ISSUES:

• High air temperature impacts human health, which causes global death including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and renal issues.
• Heatwave can have significant impact on health depending on the timing, intensity and duration of high temperature
• Exposure to excessive heat can lead to various illnesses including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and hyperthermia

ECONOMIC LOSSES:

• Heat waves impact a large population and trigger public health emergencies.
• Therefore leads to excess mortality and socio-economic consequences like lost work capacity.

AIR QUALITY:

• On hot days air quality can worsen due to ground level ozone production and pollution from air conditioning.

NATURE & ENVIRONMENT:

• Heat waves amplify the impact of drought and increase wildfire behaviour.
• There is water insecurity, hazardous smoke and power shortages.
• Agricultural losses due to high temperatures cause significant damage to communities around the world.

Who is more at Risk?

As the situation looms to escalate, it is advised that everyone should be on high alert and take precautions, especially young children, pregnant women, elderly people and people who have existing health conditions . Heatwaves can affect anyone at any time, so it is beneficial for everyone to stay indoors and avoid going out as much as possible.

Some of the Most common KEY SYMPTOMS are?

• High body temperature
• Dry, hot and flushed skin
• Racing heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe headache
• Dizziness or light-headedness

SOLUTION TO HEATWAVE

To overcome such extreme heat, one should follow the steps mentioned below:

• Use of AC or fan
• Wearing light and loose fitting clothes
• Using spray bottles or damp sponge or by taking cool showers.
• Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, especially if you are performing physical or outdoor activity.
• Installing cool roofs and pavements
• Plant trees for shade and increase vegetation

Diet Tips To Follow:

• One should intake high-water fruits such as watermelon, cucumber and coconut water.
• Focus more on traditional drinks such as chaas, lassi and nimbu panni.

Things to Avoid:

• Spicy and fried foods
• Caffeinated beverages, alcoho
• Sugary drinks
• Processed, packaged foods
• Foods high in salt

Take care of your pets:

As The circular issued by the health Ministry says, to keep your pets in the shade and make sure they have enough water.

As we got to know a lot about heatwaves in this blog, our main goal was to create awareness about heat waves which is one of the most dangerous natural weather hazards which can pose serious health, social, environmental and economic risks. It impacts human health and well being, public safety and infrastructure. So, we suggest that please adhere to the guidelines as issued by the IMD and stay safe.