The heat wave is not stopping. There is a severe heat wave in many states of the country, due to which many people are losing their lives. Last Friday, news of more than 85 suspicious deaths due to heat stress and related problems has come to light in Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Senior officials of these areas have given this information. In many areas, the temperature has increased wildly and touched record levels.

Heat stress occurs when the body's ability to control the temperature inside the body is impaired due to excessive heat. Body temperature starts increasing rapidly due to excessive heat. Sweating is a natural way to keep the body cool, but when the body becomes too hot and sweat dries quickly or the intake of fluids is not sufficient, the body temperature can increase dangerously. Heat stress is caused by a number of factors, such as high air temperature, exposure to radiant heat sources, high humidity, direct contact with hot objects, and increased physical activity.

Symptoms of heat stress
- Feeling very thirsty and dizzy
- Excessive sweating or no sweating
- Severe headache
- Muscle cramps or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Redness and hotness of the skin
- Fainting

How to prevent heat stress?

Avoid sun exposure: Stay indoors or use shady areas between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun is strongest.

Drink plenty of fluids: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, such as water, buttermilk, fruit juice, etc.

Wear light and loose clothing: Wear cotton or light clothing that can absorb sweat.

Keep your head covered: Use a hat or umbrella when going out.

Stay in an air-conditioned room: If possible, stay in an air-conditioned room during the hottest part of the day.
Avoid excessive exercise: Avoid excessive exercise or any excessive physical activity in extreme heat.

What to do in case of heat stress?

- Take the person to a cool place and let him rest.

- Dress him in loose clothes and sponge the body with cold water.

- Give ORS or homemade solution (mix one teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt in one liter of water).

- If the person faints, turn him on his side and call an ambulance.

Deaths due to heat stress can be prevented. By being aware and cautious, we can save ourselves and the people around us from the havoc of heat stress.

(PC: Freepik)