Jamshedpur: Rising mercury level raises health concerns, DC directs free ORS counters at govt hospitals

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, April 19: The average temperature recorded in East Singhbhum over the past several days was seen hovering over 40 Degrees Celsius with Wednesday, April 19 recording a high of 44.1 degrees Celsius. The prevailing heat conditions are foreboding as they tend to have adverse effects on health especially of children and senior citizens.

Deputy Commissioner Vijaya Jadhav has directed the administrative machinery to ensure ready availability of ORS at all primary and community health centres, government hospitals and schools. She has also issued orders to set up free ORS counters in government hospitals. DC Vijaya Jadhav has instructed all BDOs to review the status of drinking water availability in schools, colleges, Anganwadi centers and PDS shops in their respective command areas.

Preventive measures against heat-wave related ailments have been issued as under:

To be consumed regularly:

Salt-sugar solution, lemon-water, mango sherbet, buttermilk, lassi, watermelon, cucumber.

Measures to be adopted for avoiding heat stroke, hot winds:

1. Avoid stepping outdoors between 11 pm and 03 pm.

2. While going out, use adequate body cover.

3. Drink plenty of water to prevent heat stroke in summer.

4. Wear light colored, loose, cotton clothes.

5. Cover head when going out by using  cloth, hat or umbrella.

6. Schedule difficult tasks for cooler times of the day.

7. Use sunglasses, if possible, keep a towel.

8. Keep cattle and goats in their sheds between 11 am and 4 pm.

9. Recognize signs of heat stroke or heat rash-like weakness such as dizziness, headache, sweating and seizures. If one feels the tendency to faint or vomit or any other form of uneasiness, report to a doctor or hospital.

10. Make the heat stroke affected person lie down in a shady spot and in case the clothes the person is wearing are tight, they should be loosened or removed. 11. If the condition of the heat stroke affected person does not improve within an hour, he should immediately be taken to the nearest health center.