PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE PERILS OF SUMMER

As the mercury shoots up to 40 degrees C and beyond, there’s more than just ice cream and mangoes that you should be thinking about. Summer can mean a lot of excitement, holidays, fun, etc., but there is a serious side to this season, and each of us would do well to pay attention to a few key summer threats.

Heat Stroke:

This is a severe form of ‘hyperthermia’ or overheating, when the body absorbs more heat than it can release. It is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention. First aid steps include lowering the body temperature by taking a cold shower and drinking water.

Prevent heat stroke by wearing loose, cotton clothes, drinking adequate quantities of water and cooling drinks through the day, and staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day. Use an umbrella or wide brimmed hat if you have to be outdoors. Please be aware that caps are inadequate protection from the sun’s fury during summer.

Heat Cramps:

This is a condition that is believed to be cause by a deficiency in electrolytes. It affects the arms or legs and isrecognised as painful, brief muscle cramps that occur during or after exercise or working in a hot environment. You will know you’re having a heat cramp if your muscles spasm or jerk involuntarily, and if this progresses to cramping. Consult your doctor at the earliest, and in the meantime drink fruit juice or electrolyte-enriched drinks. Reduce or avoid intense physical activity even after the cramps subside, since it may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion:

If you are sweating heavily, feeling dizzy or weak, have a headache or nausea; are fainting or have muscle cramps, then you are suffering from heat exhaustion. Don’t delay taking necessary steps to deal with this condition. All it requires is for you to rest, sip on cool, non-alcoholic beverages, take a cool shower and wear loose cotton clothes.

Dehydration:

It’s important to remember that heat dries out your body just as it dries out everything else. You have only to look at how quickly your clothes dry in summer, or the soil in the pot you just watered, and you will have some idea of what the heat is doing to you. Dehydration symptoms include dry mouth, eyes and skin. Sweating nearly stops, and you experience muscle cramps, nausea, palpitations and light headedness. Consult a doctor immediately if you are dehydrated. Preventive measures include drinking water, electrolyte-enriched drinks and coconut water, and eating fruit like water melon and apples.