Summer is still here and with it the rising temperature. Due to weather changes from cold to hot, the body temperature also changes and so the summer complaints arise.

It is important to take proper precautions and save ourselves from the summer heat.

Sunstroke

It is a life-threatening condition that results from the failure of the body to regulate its temperature. This is caused by prolonged exposure to the sun or too high temperatures.

Sweating may cease, and the body temperature can rise to 40ºC/104ºF or higher, rapid and strong pulse,  hot and dry skin, headache, confusion, blackouts, and convulsions may occur.

First Aid: If you suspect heatstroke, do the following measures while awaiting medical assistance.

• Make The affected person rest in a cool place, ideally in an air-conditioned building
• Remove clothing
• Sponge skin with cool water
• Sip cool, salty drinks until he or she feels comfortable.
• A person needs to Rest for at least 24 hours even if they feel back to normal after remedy and rest.

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food. Symptoms usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and in severe cases shock and collapse.

Prevention

• Avoid potentially contaminated water (eating, drinking, brushing teeth, swimming)
• Avoid fruit unless it can be peeled
• Wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially after using the bathroom, before touching food, and after touching raw food. Use soap and warm water and scrub for at least 20 seconds.
• Defrost foods in the refrigerator, a microwave, or cold water. Food should never be thawed at room temperature.

Bites and Stings

Stings and bites are an inevitable part of summer. The sting should be removed as soon as possible. After the sting has been removed the site should be cleaned to prevent infection before applying any creams.

Seek Medical Help Immediately:

• If severe allergic reaction
• The person appears confused or faint
• Swelling which spreads rapidly
• The lips, tongue or joints become swollen
• If the sting is in the mouth or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Palpitations of the heart
• The affected part becomes unbearable painful or itchy

Sunburn

Proper care to be taken when exposed to the sun. A sunscreen with good SPF is a must to prevent sunburns. Apply regularly on exposed parts.

Take the same precautions even on cloudy days as ultraviolet rays still can affect. In fact, we are daily exposed to rays- UV rays, Infra rays. UV rays we get from direct sunlight and Infra rays from tube light, TV, laptop and so on. So a sunscreen is a must for the whole year.

Tips to Beat the Heat

1. Be Hydrated- Drink water or fluids frequently.
2. Dress for the weather- Wear cool & comfortable clothes
3. Exercise comfortably- moderate your exercise routine
4. Stay indoors- Stay in the shade during the most intense heat of the day
5. Include Citrus Fruits and Seasonal Veggies-  Eat light and in smaller portions. Load up on citrus fruits because you will need vitamin C to build your immunity and provide you antioxidants. Also, these foods contain a significant amount of water which is required by our body.
6. Protect yourself from the heat with sunscreen lotion, caps, umbrellas and sunglasses.
7. Take a break- Plan a trip to cool places and refresh yourself.
8. Electrolyte balance is a must so drink fresh fruit juices, coconut water.

Disclaimer– The content in this post is purely meant for educational purpose only and not meant to be a replacement for a doctor consultation, nor is it a medical recommendation or prescription of treatment.

*Image courtesy- Google