Health & Lifestyle
Government Recommends Hydration and Cooling Diet During Heatwave
The Ministry of Ayush has released a detailed public health advisory urging citizens to take precautions against extreme heat and heatwave-related illnesses during the summer season.
The Ministry of Ayush on Monday issued a comprehensive public health advisory on extreme heat and heatwave conditions for the ongoing summer season.
The advisory urges people to stay adequately hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours, wear light cotton clothing, and consume seasonal fruits and electrolyte-rich fluids.
Citizens have also been advised to remain alert for symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including dizziness, headache, nausea, dehydration, high body temperature, seizures, altered mental status, and fainting.
The ministry identified Heatstroke as a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention and recommended contacting emergency helplines 108 and 102 in serious situations.
According to the ministry, the advisory has been prepared for the general public, vulnerable groups, employers, workers, and participants in public gatherings and sporting events to help reduce the risk of heat stress and related illnesses.
The advisory highlighted that infants, children, pregnant women, elderly individuals, outdoor workers, and people suffering from chronic illnesses such as heart disease and hypertension are particularly vulnerable during heatwave conditions.
Special precautions have been recommended for workplaces and outdoor activities, including the creation of shaded rest areas, regular hydration breaks, acclimatisation measures for workers, and awareness campaigns regarding heat stress symptoms.
The ministry also incorporated traditional preventive and wellness practices from Ayurveda, Siddha, Yoga, Unani, and Homoeopathy systems to help manage heatwave conditions.
Among the recommendations are cooling dietary practices and consumption of hydrating beverages such as buttermilk, coconut water, and lemon-based drinks.
Traditional preparations including Nimbukaphala Panaka, Amra Prapanaka, and Chincha Panaka have also been suggested to help regulate body temperature during extreme heat.
The advisory further encouraged people to include cooling food items such as cucumber, watermelon, lime, musk melon, ash gourd, and tomatoes in their daily summer diet.
The latest advisory comes amid forecasts of severe heatwave conditions across several parts of India in the coming days.