Hoshiarpur: The district administration is on high alert in view of the anticipated heatwave conditions in the coming days. Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain has appealed to residents to follow the guidelines issued periodically by the Health Department and to exercise special caution to protect themselves from the heatwave amidst the continuously rising temperatures.
She advised people to avoid going out in the scorching sun between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM as much as possible. According to the Health Department's advisory, newborns, young children, pregnant women, the elderly (aged 65 and above), laborers, individuals with obesity, those suffering from mental illnesses, and heart patients need to take extra precautions to avoid high temperatures.
Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain stated that while working outdoors, one should wear light-colored cotton clothing that fully covers the body. Additionally, umbrellas, hats, towels, turbans, or scarves should be used to protect the head from direct sunlight, and walking barefoot in the sun should be avoided.
She mentioned that during the summer season, one should consume more seasonal fruits and vegetables—such as watermelon, muskmelon, grapes, cucumber, tomato, bottle gourd, and ridge gourd—due to their high water content. Furthermore, there should be increased consumption of ORS, lemonade, lassi, coconut water, and other fluids.
The Deputy Commissioner advised against cooking during the hottest part of the day and emphasized keeping doors and windows open to ensure adequate ventilation in the kitchen. She urged people to abstain from cigarettes, tobacco, *bidis*, and alcohol, and to limit their intake of tea and coffee. She also advised avoiding fried foods and food from outside sources.
She noted that by exercising a little caution, one can prevent serious health issues caused by heatwaves and extreme heat.