Consultancy Corner: ‘Drink lots of water, avoid street food this summer’

The unbearable summer heat can not only harm you but also bring a host of diseases. The heat affects the whole body, including the skin, eyes and the gastric system. Heat stroke or hyperthermia is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures. The leading cause of food poisoning is consumption of contaminated food or water. Food sold in the open by roadside vendors and contaminated water are common carriers of disease causing microbes. Typhoid is a water borne disease whose common symptoms include high fever, fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, headache and loss of appetite. Mumps is another contagious viral disease known to occur mainly in children during summer.

Chicken pox is another common summer disease. Symptoms include scabs, blisters, itchy skin, redness, high-grade fever, loss of appetite, and headache. Measles, a contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus have initial symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat and red eyes. These symptoms later progress to measles rash, fever, cough, runny nose and tiny white spots within the mouth. But you can beat these diseases with a bit of caution and by taking care of yourself.

Drink plenty of water and increase fluid intakes from coconut water, buttermilk and lemon water, both at home and while traveling to keep yourself hydrated. Ensure you have at least 10-12 glasses of liquids all day, not including alcohol. Wear loose-fitting, light coloured clothes as dark coloured clothes absorb more heat and tight clothes do not let your body sweat. Opt for light and absorbent materials like cotton. While traveling or during outdoor activities, avoid heavy exercise. Seek shade and rest. Never sit in a car exposed to the hot sun and try to find park your vehicle under the shade.

Apply ice packs and pain relievers for comfort if you have sunburns. Wash your hands properly and follow general hygiene while handling food. Wash your hands before touching or cooking any food items to prevent food and water-borne infections. Wash your hands every time you visit the wash-room. Do not eat undercooked street food and avoid eating outside. Try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, sugarcane, and mangoes.

Keep windows closed during the afternoon so that the heat does not get trapped indoors.

To avoid sore eyes and further spread of infection, clean your hands properly, wash and lubricate your eyes with clean water to ease soreness. Vaccination with MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) is helpful against infectious diseases. If you or your child are not vaccinated against these 3 infections, vaccinations should be acquired at the earliest. Apply mosquito repellent and avoid mosquito breeding places. Keep your skin covered and protected by applying sunscreen with at least 15 SPF.

Avoid too much exposure to the sun especially from noon to around 3 pm when the sun’s rays are directly perpendicular. While traveling or for outdoor activities protect yourself from sun heat by wearing cap along with sunglasses. Hat and sunglasses will prevent harmful ultraviolet rays from hitting the sensitive areas on your face and will keep your face fresh and wrinkle-free.