IMD heatwave warning: Dos and don’ts to battle high temperatures in Mumbai

Heatwave continues to rack up mercury levels as temperatures record 4045 degrees in various parts of the country including cities in Uttar Pradesh Bihar West Bengal Andhra Pradesh Odisha and Maharashtra As the country sizzles under high temperatures Indian Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave alert in nine statesThe recent tragedy at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai Maharashtra brings to light the lax approach the state government exhibited in conducting a massscale event A total of 13 people lost their lives while over 600 suffered from dehydration at the poorly organized Maharashtra Bhushan Award function To top the inefficiency IMD issued an alert after the heatwave managed to take 13 livesIN PHOTOS 13 Attendees at Maharashtra Bhushan Award ceremony die amid heat strokeWith a majority of the population vulnerable to high temperatures we reached out to Mumbaibased experts to learn about the dos and donrsquots for battling the heatwave in India Middaycom spoke to a citybased expert Dr Shirish M Hastak regional director of neurology stroke amp neurocritical care Global Hospital Parel Mumbai and Sunanda Dayani nutritionist and marathoner with FastampUpAre heat strokes caused by heatwaveDr Hastak points out that exposure to a hot environment can invite a heat stroke In medical terminology it is referred to as a nonexertional classic heatstroke This type of stroke can be seen after one is exposed to hot humid weather for a prolonged period Even exercising in hot weather can lead to exertional heatstroke Apart from these factors drinking alcohol dehydration and wearing excessive clothing or poor fabric such as Polyester can lead to heatstroke Also certain medications health conditions age and exertion in hot weather can raise the risk of heatstroke which in turn can be fatalImpact of heatwaveHastak Hot weather tends to take a toll on the quality of the air making it difficult for the person to breathe Hyperthermia happens when the temperature of the body is high This is seen during extreme heat If the body temperature rises to over 39 degrees Celsius then the brain indicates the muscles to slow down and one gets fatigued Extreme heat can cause the dilation of the blood vessels and onersquos blood pressure will be lowered and heshe will begin to feel dizzy and sickWATCH NOW How to protect yourself from heatwaveSymptoms of strokes due to heatwaveHastak The worrisome signs and symptoms of heatstroke are nausea vomiting rapid heart rate and breathing constant sweating weak pulse unconsciousness dizziness seizures in some cases high body temperature flushed skin headache agitation slurred speech irritability and delirium The person with these symptoms should be immediately taken to a doctorDos and donrsquots to battle heatwaveDayani As we undergo an intense heat wave it becomes imperative to take care of ourselvesDos to combat heatwave1 Wear very light cotton clothing so that the sweat could evaporate very quickly2 Prefer lighter colours of clothing over darker colours3 Stay indoors and avoid stepping outdoors between 11 am to 4 pm when the heat is at its peak4 Ensure you carry some electrolytebased drinks or even plain simple water5 Try to cover your face and head with a scarf or cap when you walk under the sunAlso Read Sunstroke deaths Shah Fadnavis Shinde should sit in sun for three hours will pay them Rs 10 lakh says AIMIM MPDonrsquots to combat heatwave1 Do not step outside without carrying electrolytes or water to ensure optimum hydration2 Do not walk directly under the sun if you step out3 Do not forget to stay hydrated at regular intervals4 Do not smoke or consume alcohol as it leads to dehydration5 Do not wear tight clothes or synthetic fabricsDrinks to ensure hydration during heatwaveDayani The simplest way to keep yourself hydrated in this heatwave is to drink ample coconut water Kokum chaas or jaljeera Just add a pinch of salt to these drinks and you have your perfect electrolyte drink Another homemade electrolyte drink is lemonade It works wonders Just take some lime juice some rock salt or sea salt and some honey and yoursquore good to goA cup of watermelon is a great source of potassium which is essential to beat the heatwave Make a drink out of watermelon fruit which entails high water content All you need to do is sprinkle some salt over it and you have your electrolytes balanced If you cannot carry electrolytes drinks you can carry some water and a banana Bananas will give you enough potassium Ensure yoursquore using enough saltImpact of the heatwave on human bodyHastak A heat stroke can attack and damage the vital organs of the body as it can lead to swelling of the organs Also a lack of timely treatment can ultimately cause death Thus it is the need of the hour to treat the patient with heat stroke without any delay Right from children to adults to senior citizens everyone can get a heat strokeAlso Read Maharashtra sunstroke tragedy Death toll climbs to 14 seven still in hospitalFirst aid for heatwave patientsHastak It is essential to sponge the person with lukewarm water Fan the person and even cool himher down Place cool wet towels on the neck armpits and groin of the person having a heat stroke Cover the person with cool damp sheets without fail Try to loosen the patientrsquos tight clothes and give them an electrolyte drink to maintain the electrolyte balance Ensure ample rest with legs slightly elevated in a shaded area or in an airconditioned room or carHeat exhaustion vs heat crampsHastak Heat exhaustion is seen when the body overheats Symptoms that one may exhibit are sweating and a rapid pulse Moreover heat exhaustion is one of the heatrelated illnesses along with heat cramps which are mild Heat cramps are involuntary muscle spasms that are seen during heavy exercise in hot environments and can be extremely painful Heat cramps lead to dehydration sweating and high feverHow can school kids ensure safety from heatwavesDayani Kids should wear loose cotton clothing Their uniforms should be comfortable too They should carry a hat because by the time school gets over it does get very warm To protect them from direct sun exposure on their commute back home They should carry an electrolyte drink from home because children have a very active lifestyle Even a lemonade with some salt and sugar works beautifully for them They should avoid playing in the sun and should walk in the shade This should help them get protected from a heatwaveIf anyone does however feel the symptoms of a heatwave water should be sprayed immediately on the personrsquos face along with the application of a cold pack on their face palms or neck An electrolyte drink should be consumed immediately too while sitting under a fan or in a cool atmosphereShould you attend mass eventsHastak It is better to avoid going to any events or functions during the afternoon from 1200 noon to 400 pm during the scorching heat especially in hot humid conditions One should stay indoors and be safe in an inshade or airconditioned place Even if an event is being organized avoid choosing open grounds or space People attending the event should opt to wear caps hats or scarvesAlso Read Heatstroke in Mumbai Doctor suggests handy tips to beat the heat