Be Smart, Stay Hydrated & Enjoy This Summer

With temperatures shooting up everyday, this summer is likely to witness a large number of summer-related diseases. As it’s time for vacations, most of us are likely to spend more time outdoors, thus increasing our exposure to suns rays and hotter temperatures. Heat related ailments can really be harmful if not addressed immediately. Appropriate precautions should be taken to protect ourselves and family from these ailments. 

Children, the elderly, and those working outdoors are to be extra careful during summer as they are most vulnerable to the heat. Most common heat-related diseases that effect people during this season include dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat cramp, skin diseases, heat (or sun) strokes and water-borne diseases like diarrhea.

It is imperative to take proper safety measures when you develop muscle cramps in the legs or get fatigued and feel weak after staying out in the sun. These are first symptoms of heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Dehydration, heat stroke and diarrhea are major diseases of concern this summer.

Dehydration

Dehydration, loss of fluids, water and electrolytes in the body, is a major problem in this season. It increases the risk of heat stroke. Every day we lose body fluid through sweating, excretion, breathing and tears. These body fluids can generally be replaced by drinking water, juices and consuming foods that have water. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, light-headedness, dry skin, fatigue, less-frequent urination, dizziness, muscle cramping and dry mouth. Children may also experience irritability, dry mouth & tongue, lack of vigour & energy, less or no frequent urination (for over 3 hours), depressed cheeks, abdomen or eyes, high fever and skin that does not flatten when pinched.

Precautions:

If detected early, dehydration can be cured at home under a doctor’s care. Serious cases of dehydration should be treated as medical emergencies and hospitalization may be needed.

§              Drink plenty of fluids during exposure to heat and sun (more fluids than your body loses)

§              If possible, avoid outdoor activities in hot sun (between 1:00PM to 4:00PM)

§              Use adequate protection like caps, umbrellas, masks, etc. if you are outdoors in hot sun

§              Consume fresh fruit juices to help maintain electrolyte balance

§              Consumption of boiled and cooled water is mandatory for infants, young children and the elderly

Heat stroke (sun stroke)

Heat stroke (or sun stroke) occurs due to overexposure to sun and/or extremely high temperatures. The ailment is the most severe form of heat illness and can be fatal if timely medical attention is not given. Heat stroke can lead to permanent damage of internal organs or results in death as well. Not sweating enough to lower the body temperature is the primary symptom of heat stroke. The condition can develop quickly and needs immediate medical attention.

Human body produces heat, which is dissipated generally through sweating. However, under certain circumstances such as high humidity, severe heat, or vigorous physical activities in the sun our system might not dissipate heat quickly. This causes our body temperature to rise to a dangerous level. Dehydration can cause heat stroke if a person cannot sweat enough to cool his body.

Heat stroke symptoms may include headache, dizziness, high body temperature, dry, flushed and hot skin without sweat, confusion or disorientation, fatigue or sluggishness, rapid heart beat, seizure and hallucinations. If someone is stricken with heat stroke, move the person indoors, remove clothes, apply ice packs to groin and armpits, apply cool water and fan to stimulate sweat and call for medical assistance immediately.

To prevent heat stroke follow the precautions for dehydrations

Diarrhea

Diarrhea, another common disease associated with summers, is passing loose and watery stools three or more times a day. It is generally not harmful, but can be dangerous or signal more serious complications if persists beyond two. Diarrhea lasting more than two days may be a sign of a more serious problem.

In summers, Diarrhea generally occurs due to food poisoning, a health hazard faced due to consumption of contaminated food. Summer season is characterized by high heat as well as humidity that are considered as main factors for high contamination of food with bacteria, since bacteria thrive in these conditions.

Precautions

Many cases of diarrhea are spread from person-to-person.

§              People caring for sick adults or children should wash their hands carefully after changing diapers, or helping an individual use bathroom

§              Children should be instructed to wash their hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom

Practice safe food-handling (always wash hands before and after handling food)

§              Cook food completely to the right temperature and store it in clean containers

§              Raw fruits and vegetables consumed should be rinsed thoroughly in clean water

§              Children should not be allowed to have snacks or other eatables from outside. Give them more fluids to flush out any toxins in their body

§              Spicy foods have the tendency to get spoilt easily due to the onion garlic contents. So they have to be handled carefully

§              Do not consume foods from street vendors

§              Use utmost caution when traveling, especially to other states or countries

Take these general precautions to enjoy this summer.

·        Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing (avoid black colour clothes in summer)

·        Wear hats, sunglasses and use umbrella to protect from sun

·        Take regular water breaks while you are outdoors

·        Limit exposure to sun on hot or humid days

Be safe, be smart, stay hydrated and enjoy your summer!