Jamshedpur Heatwave: Doctors Advise Precautions Amidst 41°C Temperatures

Jamshedpur: With day temperatures hovering around 41 degrees Celsius in the city, doctors have advised people, especially children and elderly, not to venture outside unless needed.

Dr Sachin Seth of Mahatma Gandhi Medical Memorial Medical College Hospital (MGMMCH) on Sunday told TOI, “People must keep themselves hydrated all the time to minimise chances of sunstroke. One should carry a water bottle when they go out. One must wear light colour cotton clothes. Carrying an umbrella or covering the face with a wet towel works wonders.”

He said, “Heart patients and those suffering from hypertension should be extra careful. If they feel uneasy when outside, they should immediately move to a shaded area, after which they must sprinkle adequate amounts of cold water on their face and head.”

He added, “If anybody spots a person on the road feeling dizzy or complaining of headache, it could be the first sign of sunstroke. They must be made comfortable first and then taken to a nearby doctor or hospital for medical assistance.”

Dr Sonia Sharma said, “Administration has changed school timings. Now it is the duty of school authorities to see that students are not playing on the grounds after 10:30 am. Sports academies should revise their timings and call children for practice after 4:30pm.”

She said, “One should never go out in the sun on an empty stomach. Parents must ensure that their children eat properly in summer. Those who have no option but to work in the open must be allowed to take regular breaks and cool off under shade. Farmers working in the fields should drink water at intervals and take rest under trees.”

Various social organisations and individuals on Sunday started distributing cold water and juice at various places across the city. Teacher from Sonari area, Kakoli Mukherjee, said, “Every year from ‘Akshaya Tritiya’, I place an earthen pot outside my home. Many students drink or refill their water bottle during summer.”