New Delhi: Chilly mornings, warm blankets and copious amounts of warm beverages will soon be replaced by icy cold drinks, fans and air conditioners running on full speed. As temperatures rise and soon set new highs, summers will bring along a range of health risks which could prove to be fatal if not taken care of.
“The onset of summers brings in a range of ailments ranging from viral fever to influenza, as well as skin diseases due to the sudden rise in temperature. A suitable diet and exercise regimen should be followed in preparation of summer to avoid any unforeseen health complications,” said Dr Arun Anand, General Physician, Delhi.
Here are a few tips that can help you prepare for the season ahead.
Healthy and Light Food Items
While winter is the season to gorge with no holds bar on all available food items, summer is recommended for light eating. Nutritionists are of the opinion that in lower external temperatures and the necessity to keep the body warm makes it easier for us to digest food in winter. Since the body overworks itself in summer with perspiration and loss of fluids, light eating makes it easier to digest food. Fruits like melons, berries and lots of water keep the body cool and hydrated in summer.
Get Your Summer Wardrobe Ready
Pack up your woolens and stash them inside for another year as summer approaches. Light, cotton clothes with ample ventilation is a must for summer to keep the body healthy. Breathable fabrics such as cotton, silk and linen are better suited for the body during summers than synthetic fabrics.
Expose Yourself To The Sun
Extreme summers are known for doctors to advise people to stay indoors. Careful exposure to the summer sun can however, be healthy and helpful for the body as sun is the best source for Vitamin D. In the morning, when the temperature is relatively bearable, exercise of eat your breakfast in the sun to get your daily dose of Vitamin D.
Ensure Uninterrupted Sleep
Hot and humid weather is known to interrupt sleep, affecting productivity and health. While fans and air conditioners have become common across households in summer, doctors recommend some additional measures to ensure smooth and uninterrupted sleep. Plants such as tulsi, mint and aloe vera have a calm and cooling effect, ensuring sound sleep.
Preparation for Summer Infections
Summer is known to be the season of itches and irritable rashes across the body. Many of these develop because of body temperature increase. It is recommended to keep a soothing balm handy, for instant relief from rashes and irritable skin. Other natural remedies that are helpful in summer are camphor oil extracts, mint extracts, nutmeg oil and turpentine oil. Usage of these has been known to be highly effective in the summer season.