Punjab Health and Family Welfare Department has issued an advisory regarding protection from extreme heat and heatwave conditions during the summer season. Civil Surgeon Dr Sanjeev Bhagat has directed all programme officers to ensure the effective implementation of the advisory guidelines at the grassroots level.Dr Sanjeev Bhagat instructed that all government hospitals must ensure the availability of safe drinking water and that fans, coolers and other cooling arrangements remain functional. He said patients visiting hospitals should be made aware of preventive measures against heat-related illnesses, while ORS packets and other essential medicines should also be made readily available for emergency use.He stated that the normal human body temperature ranges between 36.4°C and 37.2°C and exposure to high external temperatures can lead to serious health complications. He directed that patients visiting OPDs should be advised to avoid going outdoors between 12 noon and 3 pm. In case it is necessary to step outside, people should cover their heads, drink sufficient water before leaving home and carry water bottles with them.Dr Bhagat advised the public to drink water at regular intervals, preferably every 20 minutes and consume fluids such as lemon water, lassi and other hydrating drinks. He also encouraged people to include seasonal fruits and vegetables in their daily diet. Appealing to the public, he said that children and elderly people are more vulnerable to heatwave conditions and therefore require special care during the summer season.Highlighting the symptoms of heatstroke, Dr Sanjeev Bhagat said that darkness before the eyes, severe muscle pain, restlessness, anxiety, breathlessness, rapid heartbeat, muscle cramps, weakness and dehydration are some of the major warning signs. He advised people experiencing any such symptoms to immediately consult a doctor.