As April began, temperatures in Uttarakhand started to rise, and the severe heatwave has continued unabated. This intense heat is causing a range of health issues, particularly among children and the elderly, who are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Without timely intervention, many patients are finding their conditions worsening to the point of needing hospitalization.
The heatwave is particularly severe in the plains of Uttarakhand, necessitating extra caution for everyone, especially children and the elderly. The increasing heat leads to dehydration, causing conditions such as dysentery, diarrhea, and food poisoning. These issues have led to a significant influx of patients in both government and private hospitals in Udham Singh Nagar district, where families are seeking medical attention from morning till evening.
Expert Insights on Pediatric Health
Senior pediatrician Dr. R.K. Dubey from Udham Singh Nagar district highlighted the rising cases of dehydration, dysentery, diarrhea, food poisoning, and other illnesses among children due to the extreme heat. He noted that this year’s severe heatwave has resulted in a higher number of affected children. Dr. Dubey advises parents to minimize their children’s exposure to the heat to protect them from heatwaves and reduce the likelihood of illness.
He emphasized the importance of keeping children hydrated by ensuring they consume plenty of fluids. Adequate hydration can mitigate the effects of the heat. For infants under nine months, regular breastfeeding is crucial to protect them from the adverse effects of the heat.
The health department has also issued continuous advisories, urging people to avoid unnecessary outings during the hot weather. These measures aim to safeguard the public, particularly vulnerable populations, from the ongoing heatwave and its associated health risks.
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