NEW DELHI: With several parts of the country reeling under intense heatwave conditions, the Centre 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 the Ayush under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in coordination with the Ministry of Ayush, stressed that infants, elderly people, pregnant women, outdoor workers and those suffering from chronic illnesses such as heart disease and hypertension are at higher risk during heatwaves.The government advised citizens to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours, wear loose cotton clothing and consume fluids rich in electrolytes. It also flagged symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, dehydration, fainting, seizures and high body temperature as warning signs of heat-related illness, adding that heatstroke should be treated as a medical emergency.The advisory comes as temperatures continue to remain above normal in many states, increasing concerns over heat stress, particularly among vulnerable populations and workers engaged in outdoor activities.Special instructions have also been issued for workplaces, public gatherings and sports events, including shaded rest areas, regular hydration breaks and awareness measures for early identification of heat stress symptoms.Along with conventional precautions, the advisory incorporated traditional wellness measures from Ayurveda, Siddha, Yoga, Unani and Homoeopathy systems. Recommended practices include consumption of buttermilk, coconut water and lemon-based drinks, besides cooling foods such as cucumber, watermelon, musk melon, ash gourd and tomatoes. Yoga-based breathing techniques such as Sheetali Pranayama have also been suggested to reduce heat stress.The Centre has urged people to regularly monitor heatwave alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and seek immediate medical assistance through emergency helplines 108 or 102 in severe cases.
