One day left for Paush. In the meantime, the cold air from the Himalayas, the fog, and the water vapor rising from the Bay of Bengal have come together. Bone-chilling winter is being felt across the country. Three districts are experiencing the first cold spell of the season, which may extend for another two or three days. Most of the country is covered in fog.
The Meteorological Department says that the cold front has spread from the northern part of the country to the southwestern part. Bone-chilling winters may continue throughout the month, and this winter may be more severe than in previous years. Meanwhile, the distribution of winter clothes has not started in most parts of the country. Poor people are suffering in the severe winter, and working people have been hit hardest.
On Friday, December 13, the temperature in Panchagarh's Tentulia dropped below 10 degrees Celsius. On this day, the minimum temperature of the country was recorded at 8.4 degrees Celsius by the Meteorological Office. Apart from this, the minimum temperature was recorded at 9.7 degrees Celsius in Rajshahi and 9.8 degrees Celsius in Chuadanga. The minimum temperature in Dhaka was 15 degrees Celsius that day. The highest temperature in the country, 29.3 degrees Celsius, was recorded at Teknaf in Cox's Bazar.
When the minimum temperature falls below 6°C over a large area, it is called a severe cold current; between 6 and 8 degrees Celsius, it is called moderate; and between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius, it is called mild. According to the long-term forecast for December, one to two mild or moderate cold currents may flow through the western and northern parts of the country this month.
According to the weather forecast, a mild cold current is flowing over Panchagarh, Rajshahi, and Chuadanga districts; it may continue. Day and night temperatures may drop slightly across the country, and from midnight to noon, moderate to thick fog can fall anywhere in the country. In our country, winter is comfortable for a few people, but it is difficult for most people. Winter is unbearable and oppressive for low-income people, including the homeless and the poorly clothed. People's lives have already been disrupted by the advance of winter, and now that winter has set in, its impact and response have increased. This will continue to increase in the future. The winter has not fully set in yet. If a cold wave occurs, people's lives will be severely impacted, and the incidence of winter diseases will rise.
Since in this severe winter, children are easily affected by various diseases, including pneumonia and bronchiolitis, they should be made to wear winter clothes during this period. Covering children's heads with warm clothes will help maintain proper body temperature. Room heaters can be used, but prolonged use can dry the skin. If possible, it is best to keep children under five years old indoors. Children must be kept away from dust to prevent asthma. A face mask should be used if necessary. Daily-use clothes should be washed regularly with soapy water. Winter clothes and mattresses should be exposed to the sun regularly.
Adequate saline should be given to children in case of diarrhea. Many people avoid giving saline to children at this time for fear of them catching a cold, which is not correct. Along with saline, normal food should be fed. It is better for patients not to go out in very cold weather, as the incidence of asthma or breathing problems increases during this time. The habitat should be kept clean, with proper air circulation. If the asthma situation worsens for any reason, the patient should be taken to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible.
The risk of heart attacks increases in severe winter, especially in the morning. People suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes are at higher risk. So, this winter, instead of walking in the fog, one should take a walk or exercise when the sun rises. Another serious problem of severe winter is hypothermia, which can lead to death. If someone falls into this situation, they should be brought to warm surroundings quickly, dressed in warm clothes, and given warm water to drink.
Therefore, to avoid these physical problems during the severity of winter, it is necessary to be extra cautious without panicking. At this time, everyone should drink warm water, as it helps form mucus in the respiratory tract and expels pathogens. Additionally, it is better to use hot water for bathing and other activities. If someone in the family is suffering from cold or fever, others should also take precautions. A handkerchief should be used, especially during sneezing and coughing.
This winter, it is important to eat foods rich in fiber and antioxidants, such as oranges, malta, currants, honey, basil leaves, spinach, mustard greens, carrots, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, onions, ginger, green vegetables, and green tea. These help maintain the body's vitality, aid digestion, and combat body fatigue. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain biotin, which keeps the skin and hair healthy. If any health problem arises, consult an experienced doctor.
Finally, winter is not a natural disaster. However, for the poor, helpless, elderly, and children of our country, it is akin to a natural calamity. There is no end to their suffering, irony, and misery. Therefore, the government should take the same steps to address this as it does for natural disasters. In the past, during various national calamities, political parties, organizations, and NGOs came forward spontaneously to help the distressed and helpless people. Unfortunately, this is not visible now. The distribution of winter clothes during the cold season, which was common in the past, has decreased significantly, and it is now almost non-existent. The question arises: has people's sympathy, compassion, and sense of duty diminished towards those in need, suffering, and danger? If people are for people, then one must extend a helping hand to others in need. It is the greatest manifestation of humanity. The government will do its part. Different organizations, institutions, and capable individuals will fulfill their duties. Therefore, we hope that the government will take up a comprehensive program to help the disabled and vulnerable populations. A similar program should be taken up by the private sector. In addition, people need to take extra precautions to avoid corona and dengue infections during this winter.
The writer is Founder and Chairman, Jatiya Rogi Kallyan Society
