𝐉𝐊 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲

As Jammu and Kashmir faces an escalating heatwave, health experts have issued a public advisory urging residents—especially the elderly, children, and pregnant women—to take extra care to stay hydrated and safe.

The Kashmir Valley, known for its mild summers, is currently experiencing unusually high temperatures surpassing typical seasonal levels across many districts. Dr. S. Muhammad Salim Khan, Head of Community Medicine at Government Medical College Srinagar, highlighted the growing health risks and emphasized the need for proactive measures.

Dr. Khan advised people to drink two to three liters of water regularly, preferably homemade drinks like oral rehydration solutions (ORS), lassi, buttermilk, and soups, while avoiding tea, coffee, soda, and sugary drinks that can worsen dehydration. He stressed the importance of carrying water bottles, especially for outdoor workers, students, and employees, and ensuring adequate drinking water availability in workplaces and public areas.

He recommended limiting outdoor activities during peak heat hours from 12 noon to 4 p.m., wearing light-colored, loose clothing, and using protective items such as scarves, caps, umbrellas, and sunscreen. He also advised rescheduling outdoor sports and strenuous tasks to cooler times of the day.

Dr. Khan warned that dehydration risks increase even for those using fans or sleeping under them and cautioned against eating stale food or unwashed raw produce, which may lead to diarrheal diseases during summer. He urged extra care for children and the elderly, noting that symptoms like weakness, nausea, dizziness, or confusion require immediate medical attention.

People with chronic conditions, including hypertension and diabetes, pregnant women, and the elderly should avoid daytime outings and prefer early morning or evening hours, increasing fluid intake and consulting their doctors as needed. Schools are advised to schedule games during cooler hours and encourage breathable cotton clothing for students.

Dr. Masood Rashid, a Critical Care Expert with J&K Health Department, recommended consuming fresh fruits and vegetables and properly storing leftovers in freezers. He stressed refrigeration of milk products and maintaining personal hygiene to prevent fungal infections triggered by heat. Patients with chronic illnesses should adhere to their medication schedules.

Dr. Khalid Rahman, MD Physician, advised rescheduling outdoor activities to cooler times, avoiding heat exposure, and monitoring weather updates and heatwave alerts from the Meteorological Department.

Experts also urged schools to avoid outdoor assemblies and sports during extreme heat, ensuring children have access to multiple safe drinking water points to stay well hydrated.