PANAJI
The State is witnessing heat wave, and wildfire incidents are seen happening across the various talukas. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued the first heat-wave alert for the year predicting soaring maximum temperature of 37-39 C at some places in Goa. Though the heat wave alert is not classified as severe and is rather in the marginal category, tolerable for the general public, the elderly population has to take precautions. “Infants, children, and the elderly are at risk because their bodies are less able to get rid of (dissipate) heat. Infants and children are particularly at risk during hot weather,” said Dr Medha Salkar, health officer at Community Health Centre, Bicholim.
Indian Medical Association (IMA) Bicholim has issued guidelines on heat wave and heat stroke for the general public’s preparedness, mitigation and management of heat wave. The guidelines state that the heat wave is considered when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40 C for plains and 30 C for hilly regions. Additionally, if the actual maximum temperature remains 45 C or more irrespective of normal maximum temperature, a heat wave is declared.
Explaining what a heat stroke is, Dr Shekhar Salkar, IMA Bicholim shares, “It is a condition caused by your body’s overheating and is common during summer. If the temperature of the body goes high than the core body temperature of 104 F (40 C), there is profuse sweating the person can experience altered mental state or behaviour, confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures, and even go into coma.”
One should not neglect if there is weakness, nausea, vomiting, rapid and shallow breathing, headache, muscle cramps or light headedness. In racing heart rate condition pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body. In such cases, limit activity for at least several days to allow your body to acclimate to the change. Fans may make you feel better, but during sustained hot weather, air conditioning is the most effective way to cool down and lower humidity. Some medications may affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated and respond to heat. Also, certain chronic health conditions - such as heart or lung disease might increase your risk of heat stroke. Being obese, being sedentary and having a history of previous heatstroke, add to this alcohol, smoking and other drugs, which make the condition worse.
To prevent a heat stroke, protect against sunburn, as sunburn affects our body's ability to cool itself. So protect yourself when outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Wearing loose fitting, light weight clothing helps to make the body breathe. Drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated helps the body to sweat and maintain a normal body temperature. It is better to carry a water bottle, umbrella, hat or cap, hand towel, hand fan, electrolyte, glucose or oral rehydration.
Dr Salkar warns not to leave anyone, especially a child, in the parked car. Take extra precautions with certain medications. Avoid strenuous activity, drink fluids, and rest frequently in a cool spot while travelling. Also, if you are doing exercises, try to schedule them during the cooler parts of the day - early morning or evening.
Those at increased risk should take extra precautions. If you take medications or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating, suggests Dr Salkar.
