Beat the heat

Summer is here and the temperature seems to be rising rapidly everyday, especially with some wilayats recording 50 degrees. It is time for everyone to start taking precautions to avoid heatstroke and dehyrdration.

While we can’t control the temperature outside, we can make sure that we are doing all that we possibly can to stay safe and healthy.

The harsh climate can drain you off your energy, making you prone to infections, vomiting, nausea, prickly heat and low blood pressure.

Many wait for the summer holiday season to enjoy beaches and sunny weather. So how can you enjoy the summer and avoid its dangers at the same time?

The hot spell may bring discomfort to some people, especially the elderly, who feel the heat more than others. It may often lead to headache, fatigue, dizziness and loss of concentration. It may even lead to fainting, especially in people who do not drink enough water.

Experts say that some modifications in daily lifestyle can help mitigate the effects of scorching heat on the body.

They advise avoiding heavy meals and caffeinated drinks and not exerting great physical effort, whether in workouts or driving a car during the day. It is also important to make sure to cover the head when it gets too hot.

Staying hydrated is very crucial during summer as it ensures that your body keeps functioning normally. As the heat goes up, it results in excessive sweating, which also reduces energy levels and electrolytes from your body.

Experts stress the need to drink at least two to three litres of water per day and stay away from direct sunlight as much as possible while wearing light-coloured cotton clothes.

They also warn of symptoms such as cramps in the arms, legs, and abdomen or loss of sleep. These signs indicate a lack of fluid in the body, which calls for a visit to the doctor as soon as possible.

The best time for exposure to summer sun is between 8:30 am and 11 am, when the body is fully prepared to produce vitamin D. Avoid sun between 12 and 3 pm in the afternoon, due to the strength and intensity of the sun’s rays during this period, which may increase risk of sunstroke and skin sloughing.