Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Health experts on Saturday advised the people to stay indoors and be careful for the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and take extra precautions to keep their families and communities safe.

“Heat-related illnesses can take many forms ranging from a mild case of heat related exhaustion to a more serious and life-threatening case of heat stroke”, Deputy Director NICH Dr Liaquat Ali said while talking to a private news channel.

“As several parts of the country are in the grip of an intense heat wave, there could be the possibility that more people may be affected and be in need of medical help”, he warned.

Extreme heat can affect anybody especially those most at risk are older people including young children and people with medical conditions, he said, adding, heat stroke is the common heat-related ailment, which could result in death.

Dr Liaquat said that heat-related illnesses can range from mild conditions such as a rash or cramps to very serious conditions such as heatstroke, which can be dangerous.

He further mentioned that summer heat, combined with other factors like intake of contaminated food and water,  can lead to gastroenteritis cases seen in all age groups.

Expert advised that the people should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water as it will flush out toxins from the body; 2) eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; 3) avoid the junk, processed, oily, and canned foods; 4) and limit the intake of sodas, colas, and fruit juices etc.

He said the most common causes of various digestive diseases include consumption of contaminated water, contaminated food, lack of healthy living style and anxiety.

Citizens should also avoid taking junk food items from outside and should use boiled water, clean utensils and must wash hands before meal and keep kitchens clean, he said.

He advised that the people should eat slowly, drink plenty of water and avoid self-medication, especially pain killers and use medicines as prescribed by their doctor, he said.

“Intense heat put more stress on human organs like heart and lungs as they function beyond their capacity which could be hazardous”, he said.