Holiday Travellers Advised to Beware of Dehydration and Heat Stroke During Journeys
Entering the dry season, holiday travellers planning to return to their hometowns are reminded to maintain their physical condition, particularly their fluid intake. This advisory was issued by Radhiya Dhifanjanu, a doctor from the Sawah Besar Sub-district Health Centre in Central Jakarta, to anticipate health risks due to extreme weather during the journey home.
According to Radhiya, thorough physical preparation is the key before embarking on a long trip.
In addition to ensuring the body is fit, maintaining hydration is a crucial point that must not be overlooked, even if travellers are observing the fasting during Ramadan.
“For holiday travellers, it’s best to get a health check first and ensure the body is in fit condition. Also, maintain hydration. Even while fasting, after breaking the fast, one must still drink sufficiently to prevent dehydration, especially since the weather is hot now, so there is a risk of heat stroke (a drastic increase in body temperature),” said Radhiya when met at Gambir Station in Central Jakarta on Wednesday (18/3).
For those undertaking long journeys, especially private vehicle users, Radhiya advises against forcing oneself.
Regulating rest patterns and avoiding staying up all night is very important to maintain concentration and stamina.
She also provided special notes for travellers with certain health conditions.
“For those with a history of chronic illness and who regularly take medication, make sure to bring the medicine to the hometown,” she added.
To help travellers monitor their health conditions, a Free Health Check Post (CKG) is available at Gambir Station, specifically in the north main entrance or arrival gate area.
This service includes basic health screenings such as blood pressure checks, blood sugar levels, and quick checks for dental and eye health.
Radhiya explained that this post serves as an initial prevention step and an educational facility for the public.
“Here, we focus more on education. We provide available medicines, then educate on further management. For example, we ask if they have BPJS or not, where their BPJS is from, then suggest going to the nearest health centre for follow-up treatment,” said Radhiya.
The examination procedure at this post is relatively practical and quick. Travellers only need to register with their NIK and personal identity, then proceed with measurements of weight, height, waist circumference, as well as blood pressure and blood sugar checks.
Nevertheless, Radhiya emphasised that the service at the station is a quick check package.
“At the health centre, the examinations are more comprehensive, such as blood pressure, complete blood work, cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, liver function, heart recording, dental checks, and others,” she clarified.
The CKG service at Gambir Station can be accessed by travellers from 08:00 to 15:00 WIB. However, for passengers experiencing urgent health complaints outside those hours, the station authorities have provided a health post operating 24 hours.
This medical post is located on the first floor (near the north entrance toilet) and in the north main exit area leading to the mosque.