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Simple steps to beat the heat

— Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy

As the mercury rises, tender coconuts are useful to keep one cool.

PUDUCHERRY: While the scorching sun is at its peak, keep summer woes at bay with simple and effective steps. In fact, plenty of fluids and fruits can certainly do the trick to beat the heat.

As the temperatures soar, people have started to find refuge in fruit juices, soft drinks, tender coconut, fruits and ice creams to escape the effects of heat. Fluid intake can help avoid dehydration and fatigue, say doctors.

“Take a lot of fluids. Apart from water, buttermilk with salt, tender coconut water and lemon juice with salt and sugar can help. Avoid spicy food and take plenty of salads such as cucumber,” Professor of Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical and Research Institute S. Raghupathy said.

Going out in the simmering sun can cause skin burns and tanning among other effects. Doctors advise the use of umbrellas, sunglasses and protective creams.

“Excess heat affects small children and old people. Eat fruits such as water melon. As far as possible, avoid going out during the peak hours from 12 noon to 4 p.m., unless it is absolutely unavoidable. Keep indoors during this period,” he said. The blazing sun causes cramps, heat exhaustion and heat strokes. However, heat strokes are uncommon in coastal areas such as Puducherry as sweating comes in as a protective mechanism. It is more common in north Indian States. According to doctors, persons usually complain of extreme fatigue and muscle cramps in Puducherry.

“One of the most commonly encountered problems during summer is dehydration. This is caused due to excess heat leading to loss of water and salt,” general physician R. Rajarathinam said.

Water and food-borne gastrointestinal diseases are also common during summer. “People should be careful in choosing food and it is better to take it in hygienic places,” he advised. More than aerated drinks, doctors advise fruit juices. It is better to wear loose-fitting cotton clothes and avoid synthetic dresses.

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