Avoid direct sunlight, stay hydrated: Health Director
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 10 2026: As temperature continues to rise in Manipur, Health Director Dr N Hemantakumar has advised people to drink at least a cup of water every hour and avoid exposure to direct sunlight as much as possible during the hottest hours of the day.

Addressing the media at the conference hall of the National Health Mission (NHM) at Lamphelpat today, Dr Hemantakumar shared measures to prevent heat-related illnesses.

He said that heat rash, heat edema, heat cramps, heat tetany, heat syncope, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are among the common heat-related illnesses.

Heat tetany is a condition in which extreme heat causes a person to hyperventilate, or breathe too rapidly while heat edema refers to mild, temporary swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles caused by high temperatures.

Heat syncope, meanwhile, is a sudden and temporary fainting spell or dizziness resulting from overheating.

Dr Hemantakumar said that heat exhaustion and heat stroke are among the more severe heat-related conditions.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in which heat overwhelms the body's ability to regulate its temperature.

Symptoms include dizziness, feinting, blurred vision, slurred speech, and confusion.

WHO also noted that vulnerability to heat is influenced by physiological factors such as age and health status, as well as exposure-related factors including occupation and socio-economic conditions.

Fortunately, cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke remain rare in Manipur, the Health Director said.

According to Dr Hemantakumar, the best measures to prevent heat-related illnesses are to stay in the shade as much as possible, avoid direct exposure to sunlight, refrain from strenuous work during peak sunlight hours whenever possible, and maintain adequate hydration.

Dr Y Niveda Devi, State Nodal Officer of the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH), stressed that heat-related illnesses are preventable.

She advised people to stay hydrated by drinking at least one cup of water every hour, amounting to around two to three Hires a day, even if they do not feel thirsty.

She also encouraged people to keep a bottle of water with them at their workplaces.

Dr Niveda further recommended consuming fruits and Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to help maintain hydration.

She advised people to avoid direct sunlight between 12 noon and 3 pm whenever possible and to wear light-coloured cotton clothing.

Even if working outdoors is unavoidable, she said, people should take regular breaks in shaded areas and drink water frequently.

She also advised against consuming beverages such as tea, coffee, and carbonated drinks, as well as food that has been cooked and left standing for a long time.

Tips shared by WHO

Avoid going outside and doing strenuous activity during the hottest time of day.

Stay in the shade.

Remember that perceived temperatures in the sun can be 10-15°C higher.

Spend 2-3 hours during the day in a cool place.

Be aware of the risk of drowning.

Never swim alone.

Stay informed about official heat warnings.

Keep your home cool

Use the night air to cool down your home by opening windows after dark when the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature.

During the day when outdoor temperatures are higher than indoors, close windows and cover them with blinds or shutters to block direct sunlight.

Turn off as many electrical devices as possible.

Use electric fans only when temperatures are below 40°C/104°F.In temperatures above 40°C/104°F, fans will heat the body.

If using air conditioning, set the thermostat to 27°C/81°F and turn on an electric fan - this will make the room feel 4°C cooler.

It can also save up to 70% on your electricity bill for cooling.

Remember that it may be cooler outdoors in the shade.

Keep your body cool and hydrated

Use light and loose-fitting clothing and bed linens.

Take cool showers or baths.

Wet your skin using a damp cloth, spray, or wet light clothing.

Drink water regularly (1 cup of water per hour and at least 2-3 litres per day).

Regularly check in with vulnerable people in your circle -especially people over 65 years old and those with heart, lung or kidney conditions, a disability, and living alone.

Protect infants and children

Never leave children or animals in parked vehicles for any amount of time, as temperatures can quickly become dangerously high.

Avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours, seeking shade or staying indoors instead.

Shade can reduce how hot you feel by more than 10°C.Never cover an infant stroller/pram with dry fabric - this makes it hotter inside the carriage.

Instead, use a wet, thin cloth and re-wet as necessary to lower the temperature.

Combine with a portable fan for even greater cooling.

Dress children in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers their skin, and use wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect them from the sun's rays.

Follow the guidance on keeping your home cool to maintain a safe indoor temperature.

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