The directorate of health services, Kashmir (DSEK) on Friday issued a health advisory as the cold wave intensified across the region with summer capital Srinagar recording minus 7.7 degrees Celsius – coldest in nearly three decades.
The health department has issued the following dos and don’ts for the people:
Wear warm clothes in layers. Wear a scarf, hat and gloves. Keep your hands and feet warm.
Elderly (more than 65 age group) and infants are at high risk.
Avoid exertion in cold weather if you are suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure
Cold weather makes your heart work harder to keep the body warm.
Cold weather also leads to increased formation of clots leading to heart attack and stroke
In case of chest pain contact doctor immediately.
Eat a balanced diet and drink frequent warm beverages (Kehwa).
Avoid alcohol
Quit smoking
Stay active indoors
Do not sit for long periods of time
Move around once every hour
If you are working outdoors, Work slowly and take frequent breaks
Avoid walking on ice and snow
Warning signs of hypothermia: Confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, stiff muscles
