We are rolling into the month of APRIL-MAY, when the weather is going to take a toll on everybody’s health. Temperatures are soaring high and judging by the way things are going, it’s going to be a scorcher this summer.
Summers are nice but increased temperatures can be very harmful to our health.
EFFECTS OF HEAT WAVE ON OUR BODY:
1. DEHYDRATION: Loss of water from the body can lead to nausea, vomiting, fatigue, extreme tiredness. At times one can get muscle cramps and may fall unconscious also.
2. HEAT STROKE : The most serious form of heat injury caused due to prolonged exposure to higher temperatures is Heatstroke. The condition is most common in the summer months.
Patient may experience high grade fever, red hot skin, in severe conditions, patients may feel disoriented, may have difficulty in breathing. In extreme conditions patient may get fits also.
SIMPLE TIPS TO KEEP ONESELF COOL , COPE WITH HIGH TEMPERATURES:
1. DRINK LOTS AND LOTS OF WATER
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, 8-10 glasses even if you’re not thirsty. Hot weather causes you to sweat, and it’s vital to replenish the lost fluids. Always carry a water bottle or keep it within reach to avoid dehydration.
Drinking hot beverages like tea, coffee can have dehydrating effects , so better to avoid it.
2. LIMIT SUN EXPOSURE
Its recommended to stay inside during the hottest part of the day from 11 A.M to 4 P.M to limit sun exposure. Avoid strenuous activity and encourage kids to play indoor games.
3. WEAR LOOSE, LIGHT COLORED CLOTHES
Along with light colored, loose fitting clothes, wear hat, sun glasses to avoid discomfort due to heat.
4. USE OF SUNSCREEN LOTION
Do not forget to apply sunscreen lotion having SPF 30 or more to safeguard the skin from harmful rays of the sun.
5. EXCESS DEHYDRATION
Incase the person is suffering from extreme dehydration, they are recommended to have extra sugar and salt in the water but the important thing to remember, patients having heart, kidney, liver problem can have this sweet and salt added water only after consulting their treating doctor.
6. AVOID CAFFEINATED DRINKS
Avoid excess alcohol, sugary soda, tea, coffee or any other caffeinated beverages as these drinks cause dehydration and give rise to heat related illness.
7. USING AIR CONDITIONERS
Set air conditioners to a lower temperature. Use curtains or blinds to keep direct sunlight out.
If A/C is not available, stay indoors on the lowest floor in a well-ventilated area with fans.
8. PROPER DIET
Have small meals and eat more often. Include nutrient rich fruits and vegetables with higher water content.
9. TAKE CARE OF CHILDREN AND PETS
Do not leave children or pets alone in hot vehicles or outside in open area, even for a second. Keep them indoors at cool place and make plenty of water available to them.
10. TAKE SHOWERS
Take cold showers if feeling overheated or cool off with wet clothes on wrists and neck or take a cool sponge bath.
Spray cooling facial mist on the face to bring the body temperature down.
Avoid spicy, oily and fatty foods. Try to relax and control mind by doing meditation.
After all this phase is temporary, it will come to an end giving way to another pleasant weather.
KEEP COOL, STAY COOL……
