Chennai: In a much-required gesture towards public, people will be offered ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts) water in five municipal areas in Tiruvallur District, including Poonamallee, Avadi, Tiruverkadu and Tiruttani.
With temperatures soaring in Chennai, doctors have urged public, especially children and elderly, to safeguard themselves against diseases. “Parents should ensure that their children do not step outdoors during day. They should refrain from consuming any drinks sold on streets as problems like hepatitis are common,” said Naresh Shanmugam, senior consultant, department of pediatrics, Global Hospital.
As people under estimate heat levels, many tend to step outdoors without covering themselves. Doctors say people who travel on a regular basis should keep themselves hydrated all times and ensure they carry umbrellas.
“Dehydration is very common at this time of the year. We have already had cases of patients – mostly elders and children - visiting the hospital with giddiness and constant headaches,” said K.S Centhil, Physician, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital here.
On what clothes to wear, Shanmugam said cotton clothes are the best at this time of the year. “It is essential that people cover themselves properly before they step outside. . Bikers should cover their heads with a wet cloth before wearing helmet as their heads can get really hot otherwise,” said general physician R. Krishnan.
Expressing a word of caution, Anitha Arockiasamy, president of India Home Healthcare, said, “Extra care must be taken to ensure that the elderly are kept away from the heat as they are most affected by heat fatigue; heat syncope, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. They can develop skin problems easily due to poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands.”
