National News

ISLAMABAD, May 20 (APP): Health experts have advised the citizens to
take adequate precautionary measures to avoid heat stroke during the current heat wave.
The weather experts have predicted severe heat wave from May 15 across
the country which would continue till mid of June.
Talking to APP, renowned health expert from Pakistan Institute of
Medical Sciences (PIMS) Dr. Javed Akram advised the people to increase water intake and use cap, umbrella and sun glasses to avoid direct contact with sunlight.
He said children and old age people were more prone to suffer
from heat stroke as they have low resistance power to fight the diseases.
They must avoid going outside during the peak time and if someone
faints due to heat, he must be taken inside the air conditioned or airy room and given water to drink, he added.
He also suggested that the people should take more water, fresh juices
and fruits to increase the resistance in their bodies.
Another health expert, Dr Sharif Astori from Polyclinic Hospital said
the labourers were one of the most vulnerable segments among all in the heat wave condition as they stood and work out-door most of the times.
He emphasised that steps should be taken by the authorities
for the health safety of labourers during the heat wave conditions.
He was of the view that the assembly in the schools and
colleges, usually held in open air, should also be avoided during
the hot weather.
While those who walk and exercise regularly must avoid such
practices during the hot weather, he said.
He said sweating due to heat causes fluids and mineral
imbalance in the human body and results in low blood pressure, low
sugar level, shivering, headache and nausea.
What one can do in emergency is to give a glass of water mixed
with sugar and salt to the patient of heat stroke, put wet shawl or
piece of cloth on him and keep him in shadow or indoor.