Extreme temperature conditions have triggered concerns of illness – heat stroke, summer depression and dehydration – particularly among vulnerable groups including children, officegoers, construction & industrial workers and elderly. Doctors at Paras Hospitals, Gurugram have urged people not to compromise on their fluid intake and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day.
“We have been getting cases of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Every day, we are getting 20-25 such cases and the age-group consists of children to elderly. It has been seen that people generally underestimate the risk of what hot weather conditions may do to them and may make them complacent,” said Dr R.R. Dutta, HOD, Internal Medicine, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram.
The onset of summers has also triggered depression symptoms in some people and many cases of such mental illness have been reported.
“Seasonal depressions usually happen in winters due to gloomy weather but it is seen in summers as well. Longer days and increasing heat and humidity may play a role in summer depression,” said Dr R.R. Dutta, HOD, Internal Medicine, Paras Hospitals, Gurugram.
To beat the heat, some of the dos and don’ts are:
Do’s:
•Stay hydrated, covered, alert, and stay indoors as much as possible.
•Workers should be cautioned to avoid direct sunlight and shaded work area should be provided for workers.
•Anyone showing signs of heat stroke (altered mental state, not sweating, nausea) should seek medical attention immediately.
•Wear light-coloured, light-weight cotton clothing. Use hats with brims and sunscreen for more protection.
Dont’s:
•Avoid getting out in the sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm.
•Say no to the consumption of alcohol, tea, coffee, or those with large amount of sugar as these may lead to loss of more body fluid or cause stomach cramps.
•Stop consuming high protein food and outside food.
