What Is Workplace Heat Stress? Workplace heat stress occurs when the body overheats due to a combination of metabolic heat, environmental conditions, and clothing worn. When the body cannot cool itself effectively, it leads to physiological heat strain, which can cause exhaustion, serious illness, or even death. Who Is Affected? Globally, over 2.4 billion workers are exposed to extreme heat at work, resulting in around 22.85 million occupational injuries every year. More than one-third of workers who frequently work in hot conditions experience significant heat-related strain. Health Effects of Heat Stress Prolonged exposure to heat can cause: – Hyperthermia (dangerously high body temperature) – Fainting or dizziness (syncope) – Dehydration and kidney problems – Neurological dysfunction – Heat exhaustion and heat stroke A major study found that 35% of people who work regularly in hot conditions experience heat-related illnesses. Worker productivity can drop by 2–3% for every 1°C rise above 20°C in Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), a measure that factors in temperature, humidity, sunlight, and wind. Are Indoor Workers at Risk Too? Yes. Heat stress doesn’t only affect outdoor workers. Those working near furnaces, in greenhouses, coal mines, or poorly ventilated factories face similar risks. Workers wearing protective suits or heavy gear are especially vulnerable due to restricted heat loss. Safe Temperature for Work For an eight-hour shift, a worker’s core body temperature should stay below 38°C. Exceeding this limit increases the risk of heat-related injuries, especially for older adults, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions, and outdoor laborers. Warning Signs to Watch For Mild symptoms include: – Heat fatigue – Rashes – Cramps – Dizziness Severe symptoms needing immediate medical attention include: – Heat exhaustion – Heat stroke (a life-threatening emergency with confusion, loss of consciousness, and extremely high body temperature) Who Is Most at Risk? – Older and middle-aged workers – People with chronic health coconditions – Those performing heavy manual labor – Migrant workers, who may not be acclimatized to the climate and often lack access to protective measures How to Prevent Heat Stress – Key Safety Tips 1. Stay Hydrated – Drink water frequently, even before feeling thirsty. 2. Take Regular Breaks – Rest in shaded or cool areas. 3. Wear Light Clothing – Choose breathable, loose-fitting garments. 4. Monitor Temperature – Keep track of WBGT or local heat advisories. 5. Plan Work Wisely – Schedule heavy tasks during cooler parts of the day. 6. Educate Workers – Train teams to recognize early heat stress symptoms. 7. Implement Heat Action Plans – Follow WHO’s Occupational Heat Action Programme with policies tailored to local conditions and worker needs. In Summary Heat stress is a growing occupational hazard affecting millions worldwide. By recognizing the warning signs early, promoting awareness, and following preventive measures, both employers and workers can ensure a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace – even under extreme heat.

How Ulcers Develop When we eat food that’s tasty but unhealthy, the stomach is often the first to suffer. Among stomach issues, ulcers are one of the most common. Many people rely on quick painkillers to relieve the discomfort, but these only offer temporary relief and can actually worsen ulcers over time. Stress, anxiety, and irregular eating habits can cause the stomach to produce excess acid, leading to ulcers. The primary culprit behind most ulcers is a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) — which spreads through food, water, or even air. Ulcers usually form in the stomach lining or the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). These are known as peptic ulcers. Normally, the stomach’s inner walls protect against acids, but when too much acid is produced, these protective layers break down – resulting in painful sores or ulcers. Doctors use endoscopy to diagnose ulcers, detect H. pylori, and determine the severity. In serious cases, ulcers may cause blockage, bleeding, or perforation, requiring medical or even surgical treatment. With proper dietary control and healthy habits, ulcers can heal completely within two weeks. Avoiding spicy, sour, oily, and acidic foods can prevent recurrence and promote healing. Healing Recipes for Ulcer Relief 1. Mustard-Coconut Curd Chutney Ingredients: Mustard seeds – 1 tbsp (10 g) Grated coconut – ½ cup (100 g) Curd (yogurt) – 1 cup (100 ml) Dry ginger powder – a pinch Small onions – 2 Salt – a pinch Method: Chop the onions finely and sauté lightly. Add grated coconut, mustard seeds, and ginger powder, then grind into a smooth paste. Mix the paste with whisked curd and salt. You can eat this chutney plain or with idli or chapati. 2. Vegetable Aviyal Ingredients: Finely chopped carrots, chayote (chow-chow), bottle gourd, potatoes, onions – 1 cup total Curd – ½ cup (50 ml) Sugar – 1 tsp (5 g) Grated coconut – ¼ cup (25 g) Green gram dal – 2 tbsp (boiled) Salt – to taste Coconut oil – 1 tsp (5 ml) Method: Boil all the vegetables (except onions) with a little sugar and water until soft. Grind the coconut into a paste. Heat coconut oil in a pan, add onions, and sauté. Then add the cooked vegetables and bring to a boil. Add the coconut paste, salt, and dal. Finally, mix in curd and stir well. Serve with rice or as a side dish for tiffin items. Why These Recipes Work Both dishes include curd and coconut, which promote healthy gut bacteria and aid digestion. Coconut oil acts as a natural healer for ulcers and reduces acidity. Mustard provides protein, calcium, and phosphorus, supporting overall stomach health. Together, these foods help soothe irritation, reduce acid levels, and speed up ulcer healing naturally.