Health Precautions to take during Summer

Summer is back!

For most of us, it’s time for lots of action - planning vacations, outdoor activities, camping & trips, time to pay taxes, etc. But with the mercury reaching close to 40 deg C, your body and mind take heavy toll. Heat stroke, exhaustion, sun burns, seasonal infections and even some cancers are rising as the mercury rises year on year. Therefore, it’s important to take necessary precautions for better health during summers.

Diet & Drink

• First and foremost, drink plenty of fluids.  8 – 10 glasses of water a day is a broad benchmark.
• The current recommendation is that  one should drink sufficient fluids enough to quench thirst.  
• Avoid caffeinated drinks. Caffeine increases metabolism and adds to dehydration. Therefore it’s beneficial to cut your daily coffee and tea during summer.
• Avoid alcohol
• Watermelon, grape juice and juice from berries can be refreshing drinks. They also add to much needed vitamins as they are excellent source of Vitamin C.
• Seasonal vegetables and fruits are always the best diet.  

Skin and cosmetics

• Sunscreen blocks harmful radiations besides preventing skin tanning. For better results choose sunscreen with SPF above 30
• Use wide-mouthed hats to keep yourself protected against sun. Choose one that has provision for extra aeration.

Heat Prevention

• Stay indoors as much as possible
• Keep windows and doors closed to avoid warming.
• Use light-colored and lighter clothes. Half-sleeves can give added relief.

Special precautions should be taken for newborn, infants and the sick. They are the first victims of heat stroke. An extra advice from your doctor may be necessary if people have following condition or medication

• Above 60 years of age
• Suffering from Heart disease
• Suffering from Parkinson’s disease
• Suffering from Alzheimer’s disease
• Chronically ill patients

Those who are on diuretics, antipsychotics, antihypertensive drugs, antidepressants, antihistamines and sedatives

• Lastly, move on to areas with lower temperature. Hill stations and resorts are good places for vacationing in summer.