SURVIVING THE SUMMER: TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEATING THE HEAT
Temperatures are rising across most of India, with people in Delhi are struggling under scorching conditions. Over the next few days, Delhi will have to deal with heat wave conditions, which could lead to more people suffering. Let’s learn how to protect ourselves and our loved ones through the summer. Best ways to deal with rising temperatures this summer Hydrate the right way Once it gets hot, we start drinking more water to stay hydrated. Unfortunately, a few habits could be doing more harm than good. Drinking chilled water from the fridge lowers your overall body temperature, which could make you susceptible to developing infections. Stick to drinking tepid or slightly cool fluids to maintain your body temperature. Along with water, hydrate with fresh fruit juice, buttermilk, or electrolyte drinks. They help replenish the nutrients you lose while sweating. If you’re exercising or out in the sun, drink more water than usual to stay hydrated. Avoid caffeinated drinks as they act as diuretics and drain the water from your body.
TIPS AND TRICKS BY FEW DOCTOR FOR BEATING THE HEAT:
After oxygen, Water is the 2nd necessity of life. Our body made of 70% water. Excess use of Water is the best way. To enjoy the summer season and avoid heatstroke.
A- Prevention of heatstroke:-
1. Use water to cool down your surroundings. 2. Use water to cool down your body. 3. Work in cool, good ventilated and shaded area. 4. Drink lot of water / salt-sugar solution/ ORS /Coconut water to have good hydration and pass white urine every 1-2 hourly. 5. Most Important:- Colour of Urine is best guide for your body hydration and prevent heatstroke. If you pass deep dark urine - drink 2 - 3 glasses of water, for light urine - drink one glass of water. Water colour urine- you are having good hydration.
B-Treatment of heat stroke:-
1. Shift the person to a cool shaded and good ventilation area. 2. put him on right lateral position. 3. give cool water bath or sponging 4. give lot of water ORS or any liquids. 5. shift to nearby medical facilities.
Dr. Surender Yadav
MBBS MD Paeds, New Born and Child Spl.
Shree Hospital, Sector- 12 A Dwarka
As you head out this summer, remember to take precautionary measures to prevent heat-related injuries when you're far from climate-controlled environments. Sometimes when people are having fun outside in the summer, they don't realize they're becoming overheated. If the condition reaches the level of heatstroke, it's serious and immediate medical attention is needed.
Heat exhaustion often precedes heatstroke. The signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat, heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, rapid pulse, headache and nausea. Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition.
Heatstroke occurs when the body reaches a temperature of 104 degrees or higher, and symptoms can include confusion, altered speech, nausea or vomiting, rapid breathing and a racing heartbeat, among other symptoms. The good news is that you can prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather: Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly. Protect against sunburn.
Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself, so protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating. Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain an average body temperature. Take extra precautions with certain medications. Ask your health care team your medications can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.
Never leave anyone in a parked car. This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F in 10 minutes. It's unsafe to leave a person or pet in a parked car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in the shade. Keep your car locked to prevent a child from getting inside when it is parked.
Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labour for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or
evening. Get acclimated. It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather. Limit time spent working or exercising in the heat until you're conditioned to it. People not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Be cautious if you're at increased risk. If you take medications or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure medical services are available in case of a heat emergency. Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Left untreated, it can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.
Dr Nishtha Bhutani
Orthosquare dental clinic
Plot No.-8, Dwarka, Sector-5
Dos and Don'ts for Sunstroke
Dos:
1. Move to a Cooler Place: If you suspect someone has sunstroke, move them to a shaded or air- conditioned area immediately. 2. Hydrate: Provide plenty of water or sports drinks that contain electrolytes. Avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages. 3. Cool the Body: Use cool water, wet cloths, or ice packs on the armpits, neck, and groin to help lower body temperature. 4. Loosen Clothing: Remove any unnecessary clothing and loosen what remains to help with cooling. 5. Seek Medical Attention: If the person is confused, faint, or unconscious, seek emergency medical help immediately. 6. Monitor Body Temperature: Use a thermometer if available to keep track of the person’s temperature. Aim to lower it to 102°F (38.9°C) or below. 7. Use Fans: If available, use fans to increase airflow and help with cooling.
Don'ts:
1. Avoid Ice-Cold Water: Do not give ice-cold water to drink as it can cause stomach cramps. Use cool water instead. 2. Don’t Give Caffeinated Beverages: Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee or tea, which can worsen dehydration. 3. Don’t Delay Seeking Help: If symptoms are severe or worsen, do not wait to seek professional medical assistance.
4. Avoid Hot Baths or Showers: Don’t use hot baths, showers, or saunas as they can increase body temperature further. 5. Don’t Ignore Symptoms: Early symptoms like headache, dizziness, or nausea should not be ignored as they can quickly escalate. By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage and mitigate the risks associated with sunstroke. Sunstroke, also known as heatstroke, is a serious condition that can occur in Delhi, especially during the hot summer months. It happens when the body's temperature regulation fails due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity.
Here are key points to understand about sunstroke in Delhi:
1. Symptoms: Symptoms of sunstroke include high body temperature (above 104°F or 40°C), hot and dry skin, confusion, agitation, slurred speech, seizures, and loss of consciousness. It can be life- threatening and requires immediate medical attention. 2. Risk Factors: Individuals at higher risk include the elderly, young children, people with chronic illnesses, and those engaging in strenuous physical activities outdoors. Lack of acclimatization to hot weather also increases risk. 3. Prevention: Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate the body.
* Wear Appropriate Clothing: Light-colored, loose-fitting clothes help keep the body cool. *Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Try to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, typically from 10 AM to 4 PM.
* Use Sunscreen: Protect your skin from direct sun exposure. * Take Breaks: If working or exercising outdoors, take frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas. 4. First Aid: - Move the person to a cooler place. * Lower their body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath. * Do not give fluids if the person is unconscious. * Seek immediate medical help.
Understanding these factors and taking appropriate precautions can help prevent sunstroke and its serious consequences.
Dr. Deepa Mishra (PT)
Kayakalph Fitness and Rehabilitation Centre
aware of:
1. Heat Rash:
• Symptoms: Red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples, usually on the neck, chest, groin,
or elbow creases. • Treatment: Keep the affected area cool and dry. Use baby powder to soothe the rash.
2. Heat Cramps:
• Symptoms: Muscle pains or spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs, often occurring after intense exercise. • Treatment: Stop all activity, sit in a cool place, drink water or a sports drink, and stretch or gently massage the muscles.
3. Heat Syncope (Fainting):
• Symptoms: Sudden dizziness or fainting after prolonged standing or from rising quickly from a sitting or lying position. • Treatment: Lie down in a cool place and drink water slowly. Avoid sudden changes in posture.
4. Heat Exhaustion:
• Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale, and clammy skin, fast but weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness, dizziness, headache, and fainting. • Treatment: Move to a cooler environment, lie down, loosen clothing, apply cool, wet cloths to the body, and sip water. If vomiting occurs and it continues, seek medical attention.
5. Heat Stroke:
• Symptoms: High body temperature (103°F or higher), hot, red, dry, or damp skin, fast, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness. • Treatment: This is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cooler environment, reduce their body temperature with cool cloths or a bath, and do not give fluids.
REQUIRES TO ADMIT IN NEARBY HOSPITAL
Preventing heat stroke involves a combination of strategies to stay cool and hydrated, especially during hot weather or when engaging in physical activity. Here are some key measures:
1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, throughout the day. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, which can dehydrate you. 2. Wear Appropriate Clothing: Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. A wide- brimmed hat and sunglasses can provide additional protection from the sun. 3. Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from
harmful UV rays. 4. Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). If you must exercise, do it early in the morning or later in the evening
when it’s cooler. 5. Take Breaks: If you’re working or exercising outside, take frequent breaks in a cool or shaded area. 6. Stay in Cool Environments: Spend time in air-conditioned places whenever possible. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, visit public places like malls, libraries, or community centers. 7. Use Fans and Cool Compresses: Fans can help circulate air, and cool compresses or baths can help lower body temperature. 8. Monitor Heat Alerts: Pay attention to weather forecasts and heat advisories. Plan activities accordingly. 9. Know the Signs: Be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include high body temperature, confusion, rapid pulse, dizziness, and nausea. Seek medical attention immediately if these occur. 10. Acclimate Gradually: If you are not used to high temperatures, allow your body to gradually acclimate over several days to avoid sudden exposure to extreme heat.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of heat stroke and enjoy the summer safely.
Dr Amit Baweja
Senior Consultant- internal Medicine
Healing Touch Clinic, Sector 9 / Pkt 1, Dwarka.
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