Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, May 22: As temperatures continue to rise across Jammu and Kashmir, health professionals have issued urgent advisories to the public, urging them to remain vigilant and adopt essential precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Dr Mohammad Salim Khan, Head of the Department of Community Medicine at GMC Srinagar, stressed the importance of proper hydration and dietary habits during this intense heatwave.
“Recent temperature spikes are unprecedented. To stay safe, people should increase their fluid intake—especially water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS), lassi, lemonades, and homemade fresh juices,” he recommended.
Dr Khan cautioned against the consumption of aerated drinks, packaged fruit juices, and excessive tea or coffee, saying these can contribute to dehydration.
He advised avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours unless absolutely necessary. The doctor recommended increasing fluid intake by 1 to 3 litres based on activity levels and advised taking traditional hydrating beverages like buttermilk (chaach) and nourishing soups to replenish lost minerals.
“Tea, coffee and carbonated drinks tend to increase urination, leading to further dehydration, while sugary beverages add unnecessary calories,” Dr Salim said, adding, “People should wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, use scarves, caps, or umbrellas when outdoors and apply sunscreen to protect against UV damage.”
He further highlighted the importance of staying hydrated when sleeping under fans by consuming extra water or fluids to compensate for evaporation losses. “Don’t consume stale food, especially at food outlets, as diarrheal diseases tend to increase during this season. Wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating,” he said, adding that special care must be taken of children and the elderly.
If anyone experiences symptoms such as exhaustion, weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, mental confusion or disorientation, they should seek immediate medical attention at a nearby health facility, Dr Khan advised.
Dr Murtaza Khan, a general physician working in Pulwama, called for recognising early signs of heat-related illnesses. “Symptoms like fatigue, nausea, dizziness, confusion or disorientation require prompt medical help,” he advised.
He warned that climate change has contributed to rising temperatures, increasing the risks associated with extreme heat events. “Heatstroke can occur when the body’s cooling mechanisms fail, leading to dangerously high body temperatures,” Dr Khan said.
Both doctors called for limiting strenuous physical activity during peak hours, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. They urged the public to stay informed about warning signs of heatstroke and dehydration and to take preventive measures seriously to stay safe during this intense heatwave. (KNO)
