In view of intense cold conditions here, directorate of health services Kashmir (DHSK) today issued a health advisory to guide people on reducing spells of sickness due to temperature drop.
The advisory issued by DHSK has listed various steps aimed at helping people in Kashmir “staying safe and healthy this winter”. Warning that elderly, aged 65 and above, and infants were at high risk of developing cold related complications, the advisory directs people to wear warm clothes as a basic. “Wear a scarf, hat and gloves,” it says while underlining the importance of keeping hands and feet warm.
The advisory lists the signs of hypothermia that can lead to various health emergencies. The signs of hypothermia are confusion, difficulty speaking, sleepiness, stiff muscles and shivering.
In order to avoid heart related emergencies, the directorate has asked people to avoid exertion in cold weather, especially if a person is suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease. Reasoning that cold weather makes the heart work harder, people with these ailments have been directed to seek immediate medical attention in case of chest pain.
In order to avoid stress on heart and have healthy blood flow, people have also been asked to stay away from tobacco and alcohol. Moving around frequently will help in avoiding blood clots, which have a high risk of formation in winters and which could lead to stroke and heart attack.
Importance of healthy diet, physical activity and regular exercise has also been underlined in health advisory. In addition, people have been directed to take regular breaks if working outdoors. During outdoor trips, in order to avoid injuries, people have been asked to desist from walking in snow and ice.