How to Beat the Heat

Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. This illnesses can cause serious injury if unattended. Besides the essentials, like applying tons of sunscreen lotion and wearing loose fitting, preferably cotton clothes, here are a few tips that will keep help you keep your cool in the sweltering summer

Increase your fluid intake regardless of your activity level. During hot weather, you will need to drink more liquid than your thirst indicates. However, avoid very cold beverages because they can cause stomach cramps.

Avoid drinks containing alcohol and caffeine because they will actually cause you to lose more fluid.

Replace Salt and Minerals. Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. Increase intake of fresh lime juice, ‘lassi’, soups, ‘Aam Panna’ and fruit juices during summer months.

Eat a lot of salads and fresh fruits that naturally contain water, like water melon – in fact this fruit contains nearly 92% water and up to 14% of vitamin C. This will add to the moisture content that you will lose through sweating. Small amounts of vitamin B and potassium are also found in this fruit.

For long lasting make-up, avoid moisturizer, especially if you have oily skin, and dust on some loose powder to seal the oil in.

When you feel warm indoors hang a wet sheet by a window, which is open. This way you will get cool air from the water as it evaporates and blows toward you from the open window.

You could keep a spray bottle filled with water in the refrigerator so that you can spray yourself at regular intervals. The evaporation of the water will cool down the blood flowing through your veins.

A cold shower cools the body and retains oils and moisture in the skin. Gently pat body dry. Leave some moisture on the skin so that when you apply the moisturizer the skin can absorb it fully and seal it in. Have a shower twice a day, to feel cool and refreshed.

Dress in light, loose, cotton clothing. Use sunscreen and umbrella before going out in the sun.

Restrict outdoor activities to the cooler parts of the day – early mornings before 10.30am or late evenings after 5:30pm.