'Stay Hydrated, Stay Covered': Meet to disseminate key messages on heatwave held
Correspondent
NewsBits.in
BHOPAL: A meet was organised at UNICEF office to disseminate key messages on heat wave especially in the context of health and nutrition.
Representatives of social media and media were present at the meeting.
Dr Amit Kumar, Health Officer with UNICEF and Dr Prashanth Kumar, Health Specialist UNICEF India spoke to the media on the do's and don'ts' and precautions one can take to combat heat wave.
Dr Amit also shared the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Health advisory as shared by National Programme on climate change and human health was shared at the meet for extreme heat, which is as follows:
STAY HYDRATED
Drink sufficient water whenever possible even if you are not thirsty
Carry 'your own bottle' of water when travelling
Use Oral rehydration solution
Eat Seasonal fruits and vegetables
STAY COVERED
Wear thin loose, cotton garments
Cover your head or use umbrella during exposure to sunlight especially during day time
Wear shoes/ chappals while going out in sun
STAY ALERT
Listen and read news and alerts on weather, heat wave and temperature
- Stay Indoors/shade as much as possible
- Stay Indoors or shade especially when sun is at its peak in the well ventilated area or cool place
- Keep your home cool, use curtains or sun shades or shutter
- Use fan, sprays or damp towel to cool down body when needed
UNICEF Health Team also demonstrated making of ORS during the meet and said it is important that we share the same via media so that it can spread to all populations.
Amita Singh Nutritionist of Bhopal spoke on health eating and the importance of consuming water, keeping the body hydrated, consuming cereals, and adequate protein.
She added that one should not get swayed away by advertisements of various drinks, eat natural and consume an adequate diet. Consume home made drinks like lemon water, butter milk or home made lassi etc. She also advocated the use of nuts, and also consuming seasonal fruits in natural forms.
Anil Gulati, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh said as temperatures are increasing in the State, we need support of media and social media to disseminate these simple key messages of protecting oneself, drinking adequate water, and use of ORS which is simple to make and important in heat wave.
Anadi Tiwari, Nidhi Shukla Pandey, Dietitian, Nidhi Rawatiya - instagrammer, Representatives of All India Radio especially from Yuwani, Gram Sabha and Urdu news, Doordarshan and Bansal News were present at the meet.
