Seminar on Heat Stroke Awareness and Management Organized at Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College, Meerut
Meerut, April 23, 2025: Amid rising temperatures and increasing concerns about heat-related illnesses, the Department of Medicine at Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College, Meerut, hosted an informative seminar on “Heat Stroke: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Management” on Tuesday, April 23. The event aimed to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public about the growing threat of heat stroke in the face of extreme weather patterns.
Held in the Department’s seminar room, the session brought together medical professionals, students, and faculty to discuss one of the most dangerous impacts of scorching summer heat. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Anshul Mittal, who provided an in-depth understanding of heat stroke — a potentially fatal medical emergency caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures and failure of the body’s temperature regulation system.
The event was graced by Dr. R.C. Gupta, Principal of the college, and Dr. Yogita Singh, Head of the Department of Medicine, both of whom emphasized the importance of spreading awareness about early recognition and prompt management of heat stroke cases.
Dr. Mittal highlighted symptoms such as:
- Body temperature above 104°F (40°C)
- Confusion, seizures, or unconsciousness
- Hot, red, and dry skin
- Rapid heartbeat, dizziness, and severe headache
He discussed high-risk factors including prolonged exposure to heat, physical exertion in hot weather, dehydration, and pre-existing conditions like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Children, the elderly, and people under the influence of alcohol or certain medications are particularly vulnerable.
The seminar also covered preventive measures, such as:
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours
- Wearing light, breathable clothing
- Ensuring immediate medical intervention in suspected heat stroke cases
An important part of the discussion centered on the broader implications of climate change, which is contributing to more frequent and intense heatwaves across the region. Experts urged greater public awareness, preparedness, and integration of heat-related health strategies into public health policies.
The session was attended by notable figures including Dr. Dheeraj Balian, Chief Medical Officer of SVBP Hospital, along with Dr. Abha Gupta, Dr. Arvind Kumar, Dr. Shweta Sharma, Dr. Anupama Verma, Dr. Lalita Chaudhary, and several faculty members from the Pediatrics and Medicine Departments. Junior residents also actively participated, engaging in discussion and learning best practices for handling heat emergencies.
In his closing remarks, Principal Dr. R.C. Gupta lauded the efforts of the Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics for organizing such a timely and insightful seminar. “This initiative is a step toward equipping our future doctors with the knowledge and urgency required to tackle climate-linked health challenges,” he said.
