Summer is here and with rising temperature, it’s not only the unbearable temperature that can harm you but also bring a host of diseases. In India, Summer is the warmest season in a year with March and June usually being the hottest weather. Heat is something that affects the whole body, including skin, eyes and gastric system. The scorching heat and unrelenting dryness bring with it a common summer disease if precautions are not taken. Here are some of the most common diseases in summer and tips to avoid them.
A few tips to avoid common summer diseases?
- Drink plenty of water and increase fluid intakes like coconut water, buttermilk and lemon water, both at home and while travelling to keep yourself hydrated. Ensure you have at least 10-12 glasses of water all day.
- Wear loose-fitting, light coloured clothes as dark coloured clothes absorb more heat and tight clothes do not let your body sweat. Opt for light and absorbent materials like cotton.
- While travelling or during outdoor activities, avoid heavy exercise. Seek shade and rest.
- Never sit in a car exposed to the hot sun and try to find park your vehicle under the shade.
- Apply ice packs and pain relievers for comfort if having sunburns caused due to sun rays.
- Wash your hands properly and follow general hygiene rules while handling food. Wash your hands before touching or cooking any food items to prevent food and water-borne infections.
- Wash your hands every time you visit the washroom.
- Do not eat undercooked and street food and avoid eating outside. Try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, sugarcane and mangoes.
- Keep windows closed during the sunny hours like afternoon so that the heat does not get trapped indoors.
- To avoid sore eyes and further spread of infection, clean your hands properly, wash and lubricate your eyes with clean water to ease soreness.
- Vaccination with MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) is helpful against infectious diseases. If you or your child are not vaccinated against these 3 infections, vaccinations should be acquired at the earliest.
- Apply mosquito repellent and avoid mosquito breeding places.
- Keep your skin covered and protected by applying sunscreen with at least 15 SPF.
- Common summer diseases occur during the day time to avoid too much exposure to the sun, especially from noon to around 3 pm, when the sun’s rays are directly perpendicular.
- While travelling or for outdoor activities protect yourself from sun heat by wearing a cap along with sunglasses. Hat and sunglasses will prevent harmful ultraviolet rays from hitting the sensitive areas on your face and will keep your face fresh and wrinkle-free.
Follow these tips to avoid common summer diseases and enaure you have a fruitful and carefree summer!