Amid the rising temperatures across the city, the Health Department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued a public advisory urging citizens to take precautions against heat stroke and dehydration.
The advisory urges people to avoid engaging in physical activities especially during the daytime, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, outdoor workers and individuals with pre-existing conditions like heart, lung or kidney disorders. If left untreated, heat stroke can be fatal.
According to the advisory, symptoms of heat stroke include nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps (especially in hands and feet), fatigue and dizziness, high body temperature (above 40°C), hot, dry and slightly red skin, lack of sweating, dehydration, headache, chest palpitations, high blood pressure, mental confusion or fainting.
The advisory reads that prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially due to activities like outdoor labour, exercising in the sun, working in boiler rooms or high-temperature environments and wearing tight or heat-absorbing clothing can trigger heat stroke.
Speaking to The Free Press Journal newspaper, Dr Vaishali Jadhav, assistant health officer, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), said, "So far no cases of heat stroke have been reported within the PMC, however, we have issued guidelines and advisory regarding heat stroke."
The guidelines issued by the PMC are:
- Limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours. Schedule work in the early morning or evening hours.
- Wear light-coloured, loose cotton clothes. Avoid black or bright colours.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water regularly even if not thirsty. Include beverages like lemon water, lassi, buttermilk or coconut water.
- Use protective gear like goggles, hats, scarves or umbrellas when outdoors.
- Use fans, coolers or ACs indoors. Open windows at night to improve ventilation.
- Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
