Centre Issues Public Health Advisory Amid Rising Temperatures
New Delhi: With several parts of the country reeling under severe heatwave conditions, the Center on Monday issued a detailed public health advisory warning people against prolonged exposure to extreme heat and urging immediate precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.The advisory issued by AYUSH under the Directorate of Health Services (DGHS) in coordination with the Ministry of AYUSH emphasizes that children, elderly people, pregnant women, outdoor workers and those suffering from chronic illnesses like heart disease and hypertension are at high risk during heatwaves.The government advised citizens to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours, wear loose cotton clothing and consume electrolyte-rich fluids. It identified symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, dehydration, unconsciousness, convulsions and high body temperature as warning signs of heat-related illness and added that heatstroke should be considered a medical emergency.The advisory comes amid growing concerns about heat stress, particularly among vulnerable populations and workers engaged in outdoor activities, as temperatures continue to remain above normal in many states.Special instructions have also been issued for workplaces, public gatherings and sporting events, including shaded rest areas, regular hydration breaks and awareness measures for early detection of heat stress symptoms.Along with conventional precautions, the advisory includes traditional wellness measures from Ayurveda, Siddha, Yoga, Unani and Homeopathy systems. Recommended practices include consuming buttermilk, coconut water, and lemon-based beverages, as well as cooling foods such as cucumbers, watermelons, muskmelons, gourds, and tomatoes. Yoga-based breathing techniques such as Shitali Pranayama have also been suggested to reduce heat stress.The Center has asked people to regularly monitor heatwave warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and seek immediate medical help through the emergency helpline 108 or 102 in severe cases.
