April 25: The Ministry of Health and Population has urged the public to take preventive measures against the heat wave that has already started sweeping across the Tarai region.    
The effects of the heat wave include rapid heartbeat, breathing complications, low blood pressure, sweating, severe headache, dizziness, sickness, and so on.    
According to physician Dr Bimal Chalise, the chief consultant at Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, the Tarai settlements are prone to the effects of heat wave with the soaring temperatures.    
The heat wave may affect the brain, the doctor said, urging the public to avoid exposure to sunshine during daytime as much as possible. Dr Chalise said that heat wave may cause dehydration, affecting the kidneys and heart.    
Preventive measures:    
The doctor suggests intake of plenty of drinking water, having a cold shower, using an umbrella and covering of head with a thin cloth while going outside, wearing cotton clothes, choosing morning or evening hours to undertake work outside the home, intake of lemon and water, coconut water and fresh juice, intake of fruits and cucumber.    
If possible, one should not venture outside the home during the day time, should not spend much time in the kitchen, must stay away from smoking and drinking beverages, tea, coffee, and soda-mixed water. -- RSS