How to Protect Yourself In Summer?. Review on General Tips on the Summer Season

Summer has come to stay. One cannot

avoid the sun's fury. The best would be to adopt strategies to cope

with the effect of heat and humidity.The following tips for lifestyle modification will go along way to protect one from heat -related illness

1. Ensure adequate fluid intake. Do not wait till you feel thirsty to

drink water because by then you'd already be low in fluids. The best

fluid is water. Water is the king of liquids. Small, frequent sips of

water are more effective than drinking a copious amount of water at one

time.Alcoholic beverages, coffee or tea are not the

right substitutes for water. It is also advisable to take fresh fruit

juices. If your physical activity is more, increase your fluid intake.

2.Salt is lost from the body when one sweats. Do

not take salt tablets unless prescribed by the doctor. The salt in your

food is sufficient replacement for what you lose through sweating.

3. Wear  light coloured and loose fitting clothes preferably of cotton.

1. If possible stay in a room with an air

conditioner. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they help evaporate

sweat, which cools the body. Have a cool shower bath or a sponge bath

when the temperature is high. Keep the windows open at night. Create

cross ventilation by opening windows on two sides of the building. Close and cover windows that are exposed to

direct sunlight. Keep curtains or blinds drawn during the hottest part

of the day. Stay indoors as much as possible especially, if the

temperature and humidity are high.

5. Schedule outdoor activities carefully. Plan changes in your daily

activities so that you avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of

the day. Avoid the sun during the hottest hours especially, around noon

and early afternoon. Wear sunglasses with U-V protection to protect

your eyes. To avoid sunburns apply a sun screen at least 30 minutes

before you go out. Use an umbrella to protect yourself from direct

exposure to the sun.

1. Avoid visiting overcrowded places which are not

well ventilated. Never leave anyone especially children and elderly

people and pets in a closed, parked vehicle in the sun. Wear a

wide-brimmed hat to protect the face, ears, and neck while travelling.

Although anyone at any time can suffer from

heat-related illness like cramps, exhaustion and heat stroke, some are

at a greater risk than others: Infants and children below four years of age;

People aged 65 years or above;Those

who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood

pressure; Those who are on medications like diuretics, sedatives and

tranquillisers which interfere with the process of sweating. Prevention

is better then cure and if one has to brave the heat and cool the

summer the best would be to follow the above to the letter and make the

unpleasant summer