More Caution needed against common myths during cold wave: Dr. Naresh Purohit
Our specialist writer on Community Health issues *Dr. Naresh Purohit diagnoses the main causes of cold wave and precautions reqd.
New Delhi/Bhopal: In wake of the severe cold wave griping Madhya Pradesh noted
epidemiologist Dr. Naresh Purohit cautioned residents against common myths during cold wave and adopting some practices which are considered in layman’s sense beneficial to fight the dip in mercury.
Sharing his concern on this issue, with NewsOnRadar.com, Advisor- National Communicable Disease Control Programme Dr. Purohit averred that consuming liquor to fight cold temperature, maximising temperatures by keeping angithis inside rooms at night and installation of 
gas geysers in small bathrooms are most hazardous practices that have proved fatal in several cases.
He informed that unfortunately people in rural and sub-urban regions resort to consumption of liquor, believing that it helps fight against severe cold. However, studies have revealed that confronting low temperature after liquor consumption causes hypothermia, which can prove hazardous to human life.
He pointed that contrary to common belief, gas geysers are absolutely unsafe even if the gas cylinder is installed outside the bathroom as actual combustion process takes place near the appliance which is installed inside the bathroom.
“Many lives had been lost due to carbon monoxide poisoning in closed bathrooms in the recent years” he added
“Burning of coal in closed rooms was also reported to have taken many lives due to production of carbon monoxide gas which has strong affinity to combine with haemoglobin and forming carboxyhaemoglobin, which causes acute deficiency of oxygen in blood and proves fatal.” he averred.
The acclaimed physician advised people to take precautions to prevent health hazards arising due to hypothermia and suffocation.
People must remain dry, cover their head, neck, hands and toes adequately.
Winter caps, mufflers and waterproof shoes should be worn.
He suggested people to eat fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C to maintain adequate immunity and also drink warm fluids regularly to retain body heat to fight the cold wave.
“Prolonged exposure to cold can cause pale, hard and numb skin, and black blisters on exposed body parts.” he warned.
He urged the people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel to protect oneself from the cold wave.
*Dr. Naresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, 
Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state organizations.)
Dr. Purohit is also Principal Investigator for the Association of Studies For Kidney Care.
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