What is heat stress that took the lives of 85 people in 24 hours?

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The heat wave is not taking its name to stop. There is a severe heat wave in many states of the country, due to which many people are losing their lives. Last Friday, news of more than 85 suspicious deaths due to heat stress and related problems came to light in Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Senior officials of these areas have given this information. In many areas, the temperature has increased tremendously and has touched record levels.

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Heat stress occurs when the body's ability to regulate internal temperature is impaired due to excessive heat. Excessive heat causes the body's temperature to rise rapidly. Sweating is the body's natural way of keeping cool, but when the body becomes too hot and sweat dries quickly or fluid intake is not adequate, body temperature can rise dangerously. Heat stress is caused by a variety of factors, including high air temperatures, radiant heat sources, high humidity, direct contact with hot objects, and excessive physical activity.

Symptoms of heat stress

- Feeling very thirsty and dizzy

- Excessive sweating or no sweating

- Severe headache

- Muscle cramps or weakness

- Nausea or vomiting

- Redness and hotness of the skin

- Fainting

How to prevent heat stress?

Avoid the sun: Stay indoors or use shady areas between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun is strongest.

Drink plenty of fluids: Keep drinking fluids throughout the day like water, buttermilk, fruit juice, etc.

Wear light and loose clothes: Wear cotton or light clothes that can absorb sweat.

Keep your head covered: Use a hat or umbrella when going out.

Stay in an air-conditioned room: If possible, stay in an air-conditioned room during the hottest part of the day.

Avoid excessive exercise: Avoid doing strenuous exercise or any strenuous physical activity in extreme heat.

What to do in case of heat stress?

- Take to a cool place and let him rest.

- Dress in loose clothes and sponge the body with cold water.

- Give ORS or homemade solution (mix one teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt in one liter of water).

- If the person faints, turn him on his side and call an ambulance.

Deaths caused by heat stress can be prevented. By being aware and taking precautions, we can save ourselves and the people around us from the havoc of heat stress.