Coping with the summer heat can be a difficult proposition especially for people living in tropical nations. Since heat affects everyone and it is also responsible for a number of adult deaths worldwide, it is imperative to successfully deal with the summer heat to avoid any heat related illness and discomfort. Here are some tips one can implement in their daily schedules to cope with oppressive heat to avoid heat exhaustion and summer related illness.
Stay Indoors:
Prevention is better than cure and hence it is essential to avoid long exposure to the summer heat. Staying indoors as much as possible not only helps the body stay calm and composed but it also reduces the chances of getting a heat stroke. Try and choose early mornings and late evenings for any errands to avoid heat of the day.
Keep Yourself Hydrated:
Summer heat plays havoc with the body’s natural temperature retaining mechanism due to excessive sweating which also leads to water loss from the body. Staying well hydrated is one of the best preventive measures to cope with the heat. Drinking plenty of water not only allows the body to avoid any dehydration due to sweating but also helps the body retain is temperature. Beverages like alcohol and caffeine must be avoided as they have a tendency to dehydrate the body.
Avoid Heavy Foods:
Foods rich in oil and excessive protein must be avoided in the summers as these foods tend to produce metabolic heat which raises the body temperature. Oily and heavy foods such as meat, eggs, fish and cheese can be replaced by salads, vegetables and cold frozen desserts like yogurts and ice creams. Eating spicy foods can also be considered as spicy foods tend to cool the body by releasing sweat which in turn cools the body but always remember to replenish the loss of water by increasing the liquid content.
