Surviving the Summer Sun: Cheats for the Scorching Heat

The average annual temperature has been rapidly rising globally thanks to us humans monkeying around. Every year millions of people suffer from Heat Waves, and many succumb to it, upping the figures on the mortality chart. All of these deaths and suffering could have been avoided if the people had taken proper precautions. Over the course of the last 100 years on the Indian subcontinent, the years 2016 to 2020 were the hottest. What’s worse is it is predicted to get even warmer in the coming years. India lying in the tropical and subtropical regions isn’t helping either, it only makes us more vulnerable to Heat Waves.

The basic criteria by which the Indian Meteorological Department considers a Heat Wave to have occurred is- when the temperature goes over 40°C for plains and 30°C for hilly regions. And just so you know, multiple cities in India clocked over 40°C last summer, this should give you a glimpse into this coming summer. Now that you know the Heat Waves are coming for you (depending on where you live), here’s what you can do to safeguard against them. 

While it is crucial to safeguard against Heat Waves, it is equally important to know why.

Effects of Heat Waves

Heat Waves cause an abnormal increase in temperature, this has so many negative effects on both the animate and the inanimate. Apart from making you sweaty, irritable, and uncomfortable, Heat Waves pose serious risks. The most fatal is a Heatstroke, other than this it can cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat rashes, and fatigue. This can be devastating for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those diagnosed with other medical conditions.

Apart from its effects on humans, Heat Waves drastically decrease the shelf life of food, so make sure to use or preserve them appropriately. Heatwaves have an impact on your home too, they can cause cracks, wear down paint, and even affect your Air Conditioners.

How to Safeguard Against Heat Waves

Hydration

The first and most important cheat- Water. Drink plenty of water, in summer our bodies lose a lot of liquid, so it is important to restock that by hydrating. Water is not the only source of hydration, you can drink lemonade, Lassi, Jal jeera, Buttermilk, coconut water, and other fresh fruit juices. Consume plenty of water-rich fruits like Watermelon, Muskmelon, Strawberries, Oranges and Cucumbers. Don’t leave your home without a water bottle, it should be your essential travel companion.

Attire

Wear loose-fitting clothes, preferably light, in terms of both color and weight. Cotton clothes are the best for summer because of their breathability. Use a cap and/or sunglasses if necessary, and use an umbrella while venturing out while it is sunny.

Home

For maximum ventilation, keep your windows open (especially during the night), during the day you can block direct sun by using curtains. Hang wet Vetiver mats or curtains at the windows, this will create a natural cooling effect.

Other Tips

#Don’t roam around in the sun unless it is absolutely necessary. 

#Wet a piece of cloth or towel and use it to cool yourself off wherever you feel hot.
 
#Take Cool showers regularly.

#Don’t leave babies or children in the car.

First Aid

If you see someone feeling the effects of the heatwave, this is what you can do-

#Immediately move the person into the shade.

#If they haven’t lost consciousness, give them a rehydrating drink or water.
DO NOT give them alcohol, aerated, or caffeinated drinks. 

DO NOT give them fake drinks marketed in the name of ORS. There are so many fake beverages marketed as ORS. To find the original, look for an FSSAI mark, and a DCGI mark mentioning that the ORS is using the WHO formula.

#Cool them with the help of a wet cloth and fan them.

#If they are wearing tight clothes, loosen them for more air circulation.

#If the symptoms are severe immediately call the ambulance or a doctor.

These were some of the essential summertime cheats to beat the heat, but here’s the most powerful cheat- Precaution. Take measures to stay cool this summer, don’t get dazed by the sun. If you can, try keeping a water-filled container outside your home for birds and animals, that is the least you can do for them. Stay safe, Stay hydrated!