From cold to heat: why this transition is risky
In Bihar, the weather changes quickly from a cold winter to a very hot summer, usually between February and April.
Temperatures that were around 10 °C in January can rise to above 35–40 °C by March and even 44–45 °C in May in some districts.

This sudden change puts stress on the body, especially for children, elderly people and those with heart disease, blood pressure, diabetes or chronic lung problems. Heat waves in Bihar have previously caused many cases of dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke, particularly among people who work outdoors.

Step 1: Adjust your routine gradually
As winter ends, many people suddenly switch from heavy woollens to very light clothes and start staying out in the sun for long periods. This sudden change can lead to fatigue, headaches, sunburn and increased risk of heat‑related illness.
– For 2–3 weeks, change layers slowly: move from heavy sweaters to lighter cotton or mixed fabrics instead of going straight to sleeveless or very thin clothes.
– Shift outdoor work and exercise to early morning or late evening as days start getting hotter, avoiding peak sun from 12 noon to 3–4 pm. [imdnagpur.gov](https://imdnagpur.gov.in/docs_general/Heat_wave_Dos_and_Donts.pdf)
– If you were used to staying mostly indoors in winter, increase your time outside gradually so your body can adapt to rising temperatures. [imdnagpur.gov](https://imdnagpur.gov.in/docs_general/Heat_wave_Dos_and_Donts.pdf)

Step 2: Focus on hydration early, not only in peak summer
Dehydration starts much before peak May–June heat; even March and April can be very hot and dry in Bihar. Sweating increases as the temperature rises, and you may lose body fluids before you even feel very thirsty.
– Start increasing your daily fluid intake as soon as days feel warmer – plain water, ORS, lemon water, chaas (buttermilk), lassi, homemade sharbat, coconut water and rice water (torani) are good options.
– Avoid or limit too many sugary soft drinks, strong tea, coffee and alcohol, as they can worsen dehydration.
– Encourage children and elderly to sip water regularly even if they say they are not very thirsty.

Step 3: Choose weather‑appropriate clothing and sun protection
As Bihar moves into summer, daytime sun becomes intense and UV exposure increases. Overdressing like winter can cause overheating, but dressing too lightly without protection can cause sunburn, heat exhaustion and dizziness.
– Prefer loose, light‑coloured cotton or linen clothes that allow air circulation and reflect sunlight.
– When going out, use a cap, scarf or umbrella and, if possible, sunglasses to protect your head, eyes and face from direct sun.
– Avoid going barefoot on hot roads or open grounds, as this can lead to burns and overheating; always wear slippers or shoes.

Step 4: Eat light, fresh and safe food
With rising heat, heavy, oily and stale food is more likely to cause indigestion and foodborne infections.
– Shift gradually from very heavy winter diets to lighter meals: more fruits, salads, curd, chaas, sprouts and seasonal vegetables.
– Avoid stale, reheated food kept outside for long, especially rice and meat dishes, as they spoil faster in warm weather.
– Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and ensure clean drinking water to reduce the risk of diarrhoea and infections in summer.

Step 5: Protect heart, BP and chronic patients during rising heat
High temperatures and heat waves can cause dehydration, low blood pressure in some, raised heart rate and extra strain on the heart. People with heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease or chronic lung problems are particularly vulnerable.
– Avoid heavy physical work, long walks or intense outdoor exercise during hot hours; prefer indoor activity or cooler times of the day.
– Continue prescribed medicines regularly and check BP and blood sugar as advised, especially when the weather is changing.
– Do not ignore warning signs such as chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, dizziness, severe fatigue, confusion, very dry mouth or reduced urine; seek medical help immediately.

Step 6: Recognise early signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
With every summer, Bihar reports cases of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially among outdoor workers, farmers, labourers, traffic police and the elderly. Early signs of heat‑related illness include:
– Intense thirst, dry mouth, dark yellow urine
– Headache, giddiness, weakness, muscle cramps
– Nausea, vomiting, fast heartbeat
Danger signs of heat stroke include:
– Very high body temperature, hot and dry skin
– Confusion, irritability, fainting or seizures
– No sweating despite extreme heat

If you see these danger signs, immediately shift the person to a cool, shaded place, wet the body with normal temperature water, fan them and give sips of ORS or lemon water if conscious – then take them urgently to the nearest health facility.

Step 7: Take extra care of children and elderly
Children often play outdoors for long and may forget to drink water, while elderly people may not feel thirst strongly even when dehydrated.
Ensure they wear light, breathable clothes and avoid direct sun during peak hours.
– Give them frequent small amounts of water, ORS, lemon water or buttermilk through the day.
– Never leave children or older adults alone in parked vehicles, even for a few minutes, as the inside temperature can rise very quickly.

Step 8: Plan your day with the weather in mind
In Bihar, summer days can reach 40–45 °C, especially in May and June, and hot winds (loo) increase the risk of heat stroke.
– Try to complete most outdoor tasks in the early morning or late evening.
– Stay updated with local weather forecasts and heat wave warnings through news or official advisories.
– During severe heat wave alerts, reschedule travel, outdoor functions and heavy labour work as far as possible.

Key message
The change from winter to summer in Bihar may look simple, but for your body it is a big adjustment. By slowly changing your routine, staying well‑hydrated, choosing the right clothing, eating light, and protecting vulnerable family members, you can face the upcoming summer more safely and comfortably.

How to Handle the Winter and Keep Yourself Warm in Bihar Weather?

Understanding Bihar’s winter and cold waves
Bihar’s winter, especially from late December to January, often brings a sharp drop in temperature, foggy days and occasional cold wave conditions. Average minimum temperatures in many parts of Bihar during January can fall close to 10 °C or even lower during cold spells, which feels much colder due to high humidity and winds. Such conditions increase the risk of hypothermia, respiratory infections and heart‑related complications, especially in the elderly, young children and people with chronic diseases.

Dress in layers and protect extremities
The simplest and most effective way to stay warm in Bihar’s winter is to dress in layers instead of wearing one very thick garment. Multiple thin or medium layers trap warm air between them and provide better insulation.
– Wear an inner cotton or thermal layer to absorb sweat, a middle woollen layer to keep in warmth and an outer wind‑cheater or jacket to block cold air.
– Always cover the head, ears, neck, hands and feet with caps, mufflers, gloves and warm socks, as a lot of body heat is lost from these areas.
– If you go out early morning or late evening, add an extra shawl or jacket and avoid tight clothes that restrict blood circulation.

Keep your home warm and ventilated
In many homes in Bihar, strong room heating systems may not be available, so small adjustments can make a big difference.
– Close windows and doors properly in the evening to prevent cold air from entering, but open them for a short time during the day to let in fresh air and sunlight.
– Use multiple blankets, quilts and warm bedding; flannel or thicker sheets help retain body heat at night.
– Do not use burning coal, wood or gas heaters in closed rooms without ventilation, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
– Elderly people and children should not sleep directly on the floor; use a cot or add an extra mattress to reduce contact with cold surfaces.

Eat warm, nourishing foods and stay hydrated
Diet plays a big role in how the body handles cold. In Bihar’s winter, people often feel less thirsty, but the body still needs enough fluids.
– Prefer warm foods like dal, seasonal vegetables, khichdi, soups, daliya, eggs (if suitable), nuts and seeds, which provide energy and healthy fats.
– Drink warm water regularly, and include herbal options like ginger‑tulsi tea or haldi‑wala doodh (turmeric milk) to support immunity and warmth.
– Limit very cold drinks, ice‑cream or refrigerated food during peak winter days to avoid sudden temperature shock to the body.
– Include sources of vitamin D and calcium, and whenever sunlight is available, sit in the sun for 15–20 minutes for natural vitamin D.

Go out only when needed and time your outdoor activity
During severe cold wave days and when dense fog blocks sunlight for many hours, it is better to limit unnecessary outdoor movement.
– Avoid going out early morning or late night unless absolutely necessary; schedule work and travel closer to noon when it is relatively warmer.
– Children, elderly, pregnant women and those with existing illness should stay indoors as much as possible during cold wave alerts.
– If you must go out, wear full winter protection and keep your ears, nose and mouth covered with a scarf or mask to reduce the effect of cold air on lungs.

Special precautions for heart, BP and diabetes patients
Cold weather can cause blood vessels to constrict, which may raise blood pressure and increase the workload on the heart.
Studies and clinical experience show that heart attacks and other cardiac events are more common in winter, especially during sudden temperature drops.
– Heart patients, people with uncontrolled BP, diabetes, high cholesterol or a history of stroke should be extra cautious in winter.
– Avoid sudden, heavy physical exertion in the cold, such as running to catch a vehicle or lifting heavy loads early in the morning.
– Take prescribed medicines regularly, keep emergency contact numbers handy and do not ignore symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness or unusual fatigue.
– For routine exercise, prefer walking after sunrise or doing light indoor exercises like stretching, yoga or slow aerobics rather than very early outdoor walks in biting cold.

Protect children and elderly more carefully
Both very young children and older adults lose body heat faster and may not always express how cold they feel, making them more vulnerable.
– Dress children and elderly in one extra layer compared to a healthy adult; ensure their head, hands and feet remain covered, especially at night.
– Watch for warning signs like shivering, confusion, extreme tiredness, cold and pale skin or slow breathing, which may indicate hypothermia.
– If such symptoms appear, move the person to a warmer place, remove any wet clothing, wrap them in dry blankets and seek medical help without delay.

Simple home habits to stay healthy in Bihar winter
Along with warmth, general hygiene and lifestyle habits also affect how often you fall sick in winter.
– Wash hands regularly, especially after coming from outside, to reduce the spread of infections like flu and colds.
– Avoid smoking and exposure to second‑hand smoke, as it further irritates the lungs in cold air.
– Sleep adequately and maintain a regular routine to support immunity, mood and overall health.

When to seek medical help?
During Bihar’s winter, do not ignore certain danger signs.
– Very high or persistent fever, severe cough with breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, fainting or blue lips/fingers require urgent medical attention.
– People with heart disease, chronic lung disease, kidney or liver problems, and those on long‑term medications should contact their doctor early if symptoms worsen in cold weather.
With thoughtful layering, a warm home, nourishing food and timely precautions, it is possible to handle Bihar’s harsh winter more safely and comfortably, especially for vulnerable family members.

Introduction: A new step for heart care in Seemanchal

Delhi Heart Care & Research Center, Purnea, Bihar has taken an important digital step with the launch of its official website https://www.dhcrcpurnea.com/. This website aims to make quality heart and critical care information easily accessible to patients and families across Purnea and the surrounding Seemanchal region.

About Delhi Heart Care & Research Center
Delhi Heart Care & Research Center is a dedicated heart and critical care facility serving patients in and around Purnea. Situated near NH 31 in Purnea, the center focuses on comprehensive management of heart diseases, diabetes, lifestyle disorders and other critical medical conditions.

The center is guided by experienced specialists and follows evidence‑based protocols to deliver safe and effective treatment. With a growing burden of heart disease in smaller cities and towns, the hospital strives to bring metro‑level cardiac care closer to people in Bihar.

Leadership and clinical expertise
The center’s heart and critical care services are led by Dr. Hari Shankar Kumar, one of the busiest cardiology and critical care specialists in Purnea. He is a postgraduate in Medicine with a Diploma in Cardiology and a Fellowship in Echocardiography from Fortis Escorts Hospital and Research Centre, New Delhi.

Dr. Hari Shankar Kumar has rich experience in managing heart diseases like coronary artery disease, heart failure, rhythm disorders and complications arising from long‑standing diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity. He is also extensively trained in intensive care, managing critically ill patients with serious lung, kidney or liver conditions in the ICU.

Why launch an official website?
In today’s digital age, patients often begin their healthcare journey online, searching for trusted information and reliable specialists. Recognising this need, Delhi Heart Care & Research Center has launched its official website to provide a single, authentic source of information about its services, doctors and facilities.

The website is designed to help patients from Purnea and nearby districts quickly understand what the hospital offers and how to reach the right department or doctor. It also supports family members who may be searching from other cities on behalf of their loved ones.

Key features of the new website
The new website https://www.dhcrcpurnea.com/ has been created with a patient‑first approach and simple navigation.
Some of the key sections include:
– Home page – An overview of the center’s vision, core services and highlights, giving visitors a quick snapshot of what makes Delhi Heart Care & Research Center a trusted heart hospital in Purnea.
– About Us – Background of the center, its guiding principles, focus on ethical and evidence‑based care, and commitment to community health in Bihar.
– Departments – Details about cardiology, diabetes and metabolic care, critical care, lifestyle disease management and diagnostic services available under one roof.
– Doctors – Profiles of key consultants, including qualifications, areas of expertise and clinical interests, helping patients choose the right specialist.
– Dr. Hari Shankar Kumar – A dedicated section for the lead cardiologist and critical care specialist, highlighting his training, experience and areas of focus.
– Blog – Educational articles on heart health, blood pressure, diabetes, lifestyle modification and early warning signs of cardiac problems, aimed at patient awareness.
– Contact & Location – Clear address, map link, contact numbers and enquiry options so that patients and attendants can easily reach the center or plan their visit.

Benefits for patients and families
The new website is designed to reduce information gaps and confusion that patients often face when seeking specialised care. Instead of relying on scattered or outdated information, families can directly access verified details about services, timings and doctors.

Key patient‑centric benefits include:
– Easy access to information about heart and critical care services without needing to visit in person initially.
– Clarity on which department to contact for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, chest pain, breathlessness or ICU‑level care.
– Better understanding of the qualifications and experience of treating doctors, especially for serious heart and ICU conditions.
– Convenience for family members staying outside Purnea to plan consultations and hospital visits.

Focus on heart disease, diabetes and lifestyle disorders
Delhi Heart Care & Research Center emphasises not only treatment but also prevention and long‑term control of risk factors. The website’s content and future blog updates will highlight how conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and lack of exercise increase the risk of heart disease.

Through awareness content, the center aims to encourage early check‑ups, regular monitoring and timely lifestyle changes to reduce the chances of major cardiac events. Patients will find simplified explanations of complex medical issues so that they can make informed decisions about their health.

Strengthening trust and transparency
By sharing detailed information publicly, the center is also strengthening transparency and patient trust. Knowing who is treating them, what facilities are available and how the hospital functions helps patients feel more confident and secure.
The official website also helps clearly distinguish the hospital from unauthorised or misleading information that sometimes circulates on third‑party platforms. For any clarification, patients can now cross‑verify directly on https://www.dhcrcpurnea.com/.

How to use the website
Patients and caregivers can:
– Visit the Home, Departments and Doctors sections to understand services and expertise.
– Use the Contact page to get phone numbers, address and directions for OPD visits or emergencies.
– Follow the Blog section regularly for heart health tips and updates.
For those who are not very tech‑savvy, even a family member can open the website on a phone or computer and read out the relevant details in simple language.

Looking ahead
The launch of the official website is only the first digital step for Delhi Heart Care & Research Center, Purnea. In the coming months, the center plans to use this platform to share more patient education content, important announcements and updates about services.

With a combination of clinical excellence and better digital communication, the hospital aims to make advanced heart and critical care more approachable for people across Bihar.

Cardiology is witnessing a rapid evolution fueled by technological advancement, patient-centered care, and a deeper understanding of heart disease prevention. In 2025, hospitals like Delhi Heart Care and Research Center, Purnea stand at the forefront, striving to deliver transformative solutions that cater to our community’s needs.

Modern cardiac care is no longer limited to symptomatic treatment. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are transforming patient diagnosis—making it quick, accurate, and highly personalized. Cardiologists can now access predictive models to evaluate a patient’s risk for heart attacks or strokes based on genetic makeup, lifestyle, and other biomarkers. This preventative approach ensures problems are addressed before escalating, helping patients lead healthier, longer lives.

Prevention remains a key pillar. At Delhi Heart Care and Research Center, preventive health screenings such as ECGs, stress tests, and echocardiograms are readily available. Our specialists provide comprehensive lifestyle counseling, equipping patients with personalized diet plans, activity recommendations, and medication management.

Referencing global trends, minimally invasive procedures have become the norm. Patients recovering from stent placements or angioplasties often go home the same day, benefitting from less pain and quicker recovery. Coupled with remote monitoring tools, our healthcare team tracks patient progress seamlessly, offering guidance via telehealth consultations.

Patient education is vital—our center hosts regular health talks, sharing updates on heart-friendly diets, monitoring blood pressure at home, and identifying warning signs. Success stories from patients who have reversed hypertension or managed arrhythmias inspire others to seek timely intervention.

Cardiology in 2025 is a blend of technology, empathy, and empowerment. Delhi Heart Care and Research Center, Purnea integrates cutting-edge diagnostics, ongoing education, and a compassionate team to make world-class cardiac care accessible for all.