Thiruvananthapuram: Veena George, Minister of Health, Women and Child Development Department said that, should take special care of babies in summer. According to the note released by the minister, Anganwadis and daycare centers should pay special attention to this matter. It will be difficult if the Anganwadis are not functioning as they have to provide food and other things for the children. As the heat is increasing, children should be careful not to get dehydrated. Children should be given plenty of water. Children should be kept in places that do not get too hot.

Other suggestions include:

· Children in Anganwadis should not be allowed to participate in activities outside the Anganwadi between 10 am to 3.30 pm.
· Air circulation should be ensured inside the Anganwadi.
· Make sure children drink enough water.
· Ensure that water given to children is boiled.
· Give children salted porridge water, lemon water, and buttermilk.
Fruits should be included in the diet of children.
· Child Development Officers should take steps to provide fan facilities in Anganwadis with the help of local bodies.
· Parents should be advised to bring their children to the Anganwadi wearing light-colored loose cotton clothes if possible.
· Use of an umbrella, white cotton cap, etc. while going out should be advised.
· Instruct children not to walk barefoot.
· Contact the nearest health center immediately if you notice symptoms of heat wave-related illnesses in children.
· Instructions given by the Health Department should be followed.
· It should be ensured that there are no reptiles seeking coolness in and around Anganwadis.
· Direction number (1056, 104) and nearest health center number should be displayed in all Anganwadis.

Novelist Mmukundan has been honored with the Thakazhi Award instituted by the Thakazhi Memorial, which works under the Department of Culture.

The award is given in recognition of overall contribution to Malayalam literature. The award consists of a cash prize of half a lakh and a citation. Commemorative committee chairman G Sudhakaran and secretary KB Ajayakumar informed that the award will be distributed at a function to be held at Thakazhi Shankaramangalam on April 17, Thakazhi’s birthday.

Kozhikode: Customs gold hunt again in Karipur. Two kilos of gold worth Rs 1.1 crore were seized from two persons. Customs seized four capsules each weighing 1066 grams from Rashikh, a native of Thamarassery, and 1078 grams from Muneer, a native of Areekode, Malappuram.

Officials said that these passengers were involved in the gold smuggling for the reward offered by the smuggling gang. Customs is conducting a thorough investigation in this regard.

Kochi:  Leading industrialist and Lulu Group Chairman MA Yousafali has announced financial support for the work being done to resolve the crisis following the fire at the Brahmapuram waste treatment plant. Lulu Group announced that it will pay 1 cr.

The assistance is to provide medical assistance to those suffering from respiratory disease due to heavy smoke and to ensure a better waste management system in Brahmapuram. Yousafali informed Kochi Mayor Adv. M Anil Kumar on the phone. Lulu Group representatives will immediately transfer the amount to the corporation.

Thiruvananthapuram:  Health Department Minister Veena George said telephonic surveillance has been started under the leadership of Ernakulam Health Department. This service is provided by a trained District Response Team. Those who need help will be directly called and given guidance and psychological support. The minister clarified that the services of counselors have been made available for this purpose.

A total of 7421 people were collected as part of the data collection conducted at the places where air pollution was caused due to smoke from the Brahmapuram waste plant. Data collection is done to identify those who need help immediately and provide services, and to identify people who need more attention, such as bed patients, pregnant women and those with other serious illnesses, to provide follow-up observations and services. Data collection is done by trained ASHA workers.

The Medical Specialty Response Center at Kakkanad Family Health Center is functioning efficiently to provide expert treatment to those suffering from health problems related to smoke inhalation. Medicine, Pulmonology, Ophthalmology, Pediatrics and Dermatology doctors are available here. Equipment for X-ray, ultrasound scanning, echo and vision screening is also set up. The public can avail the services of this center if they are experiencing health problems. A special counter has also been set up for treatment of rescue workers, health workers and volunteers.

411 people were served through 6 mobile medical units. 48 people were served in SWAS clinics in 11 centers. It is reported that the number of patients coming to the respiratory clinic is decreasing.