“Ministry of Ayush Takes Proactive Steps to Safeguard Public Health Regarding Heatwave”

In the wake of rising temperatures and India Meteorological Department (IMD) advisories issued to various regions, the Ministry of Ayush has initiated a nationwide sensitisation drive through its network of institutions spread across the country. The efforts aim to spread awareness about heatwave preventive measures.

Institutes and organisations under the Ministry of Ayush are conducting a range of activities to educate citizens about heatwave prevention, including awareness sessions, distribution of IEC materials, etc. The drive emphasises tips and traditional wellness practices backed up by scientific evidence to help citizens stay safe during extreme heatwave conditions

The Jamnagar-based Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) has taken proactive steps to shield the local population from the damaging effects of warming temperatures. As part of its ongoing commitment to public health, ITRA conducted a vital activity on March 20, 2025, to educate and protect residents—particularly those who visit its Outpatient Department (OPD) from the risks associated with heat epidemics.

Educational pamphlets were dispersed throughout the ITRA Hospital and the surrounding area during the campaign. These bilingual booklets provide important tips and practical guidance on preventing heat-related illnesses, such as drinking lots of water, avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours, and recognizing the early warning signs of heat stress. The program’s objective is to provide people with the knowledge they require.

Dr. Jayprakash Ram delivered an inspiring and informative lecture on Heatwave Awareness: Knowledge, Prevention, and Treatment. Hosted at RARI Ahmedabad, this vibrant event brought together OPD patients, their families, and the institution’s dedicated staff for a collective awakening to tackle the perils of loo (heatwave) with confidence and care.

Attendees engaged in lively discussions during the event, and many went home with pamphlets and a renewed determination to stay cool.

Dr. Preeti from the Central Research Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy, Jhajjar, guided patients and staff on Heatwave Awareness through the healing powers of Yoga & Naturopathy.

Addendum from Public Health Advisory from Ayush Vertical under Director General of Health Services regarding prevention of Heatwave

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated. You can also include buttermilk, coconut water, and fruit juices to maintain fluid levels and stay cool.
• Use Cooling Beverages: Incorporate naturally cooling drinks into your routine, such as coconut water, lemon juice, or fruit-based drinks. These help to lower body temperature and keep you refreshed.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: When going outside, use an umbrella or wear a wide-brimmed hat to minimize sun exposure. This helps prevent heatstroke and sunburn.
• Eat Light Meals: Before leaving the house, opt for light, easy-to-digest meals. Avoid heavy or oily foods, as they can increase body heat.
• Wear Appropriate Clothing: Dress in full-sleeved, loose-fitting clothes made from fabrics like cotton. This provides better protection against direct sunlight and helps to keep you cool.
• Use Cooling Water Infusions: Prepare your drinking water with cooling ingredients like khus (vetiver), sariva (Indian sarsaparilla), jeera (cumin), and dhanyaka (coriander seeds). This can help reduce body heat.
• Enjoy Sattu-based Refreshments: Consume sattu (a coarse powder made from roasted barley or Bengal gram) mixed with jaggery or rock salt for a cooling and refreshing treat.
• Eat Cooling Snacks: Include foods like falsa (Indian blackberry), munakka (raisins), laja (parched paddy), and petha (candied ash gourd) in your diet for their cooling properties.
• Apply Cooling Pastes: Use pastes made from aromatic medicinal plants like sandalwood and vetiver on your skin to help cool down during hot weather.
• Include Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables: Consume fruits and vegetables that contain high water content, such as grapes, cucumber, watermelon, water chestnut, muskmelon, mango, and sugarcane juice. Bael sharbat is also an excellent option to beat the heat.
• Drink Milk with Sugar: A simple way to stay hydrated and maintain energy is by drinking milk with added sugar.
• Take a Midday Nap: Resting during the hottest part of the day can help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and keep your energy levels up. A short nap can be refreshing and beneficial in hot weather

DONT’s

• Avoid going outside during the hottest hours of the day, typically between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm, when the sun is at its strongest.
• If you must be outside in the afternoon, avoid strenuous activities to prevent overheating and dehydration.
• Do not go outside barefoot to avoid burning your feet on hot surfaces.
• Avoid cooking during the hottest parts of the day. If you must cook, ensure proper ventilation by opening doors and windows to let in fresh air.
• Reduce or avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated drinks with high sugar content. These can lead to increased fluid loss or cause stomach cramps.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle, even for a short time. The temperature inside can rise rapidly to dangerous levels.

For more details on Addendum Public Health Advisory from Ayush Vertical under Director General of Health Services regarding : Extreme Heat/Heatwave, visit https://ayush.gov.in/resources/pdf/aechives/PublicHealthAdvisory.pdf

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