Of recent, you must have experienced the jolts of sweltering heat at least a few times. Indian summers are now replaced by heat waves. Summers are no more for sunbaths. They are to coil indoors and come into sight only when dusk arrives.
What are heat waves?
Heat waves indicate an extreme weather event. Heat waves, prevalent in the northwestern regions of the country, are affecting millions of people across the country. The 40o C & above the temperature in the plains and 30o C & above in the hills account for heat waves. With the advancement of climate change, these events have been recurring continually.
Effects of heat waves
The consequences of heat waves can be commonly observed around. They have adverse health effects causing heat stroke, heat cramps, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and restlessness. In many severe cases, they have proved to be potentially fatal as well. Heat waves also pose ecological impacts leading to water scarcity, crop failure, and reduced energy production. This may, subsequently, worsen the quality of human lives.
Meanwhile, to take care of yourself and your close ones, follow these five tips to keep yourself safe by reducing the impact of heatwaves.
Keep Hydrated: Keeping hydrated is essential every day, and more so during this extremely hot weather. A sufficient water intake is essential to keep your day going. To jazz it up a little, you may also go for infused water with cucumber, ginger, and lemon. Adding electrolytes to water also replenishes you with nutrients lost due to sweating. Other ways to cool yourself are taking a cold bath, using a wet towel over your head or shoulders for a cooling effect, or giving yourself a water spray to replenish throughout the day.
Use Shade, Sunscreen & Cosy Clothing: A weather-appropriate wardrobe can help protect you from the heat effect. Light-colored, loose clothing with a breathable fabric reduces the trapped heat and allows for good ventilation. You must also keep sunscreen handy when going out in the sun. Additionally, use an umbrella and sunglasses to help lower the chances of being exposed to direct sunlight.
Stay Indoors & Keep it Cool: If you can stay indoors while being equipped with an AC or cooler, you might be one of the luckiest fellas in this ultra-hot summer. The other ways to keep your living space cool are by putting up curtains to block the direct sunlight, using exhaust fans to expel hot air outside, giving a cold wipe to the floors, growing plants that can aid in cooling, and using oven to a minimum.
Fresh Food & No Alcohol: Whenever shopping for groceries, pick fresh fruits and vegetables. They provide you with much-needed nutrients and hydrate you as well. Stay away from processed food owing to its high quantities of sodium, sugar, and preservatives. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol consumption should also be avoided to prevent dehydration.
Reduce Outdoor Activities During Daytime: While some outdoor activities are inevitable it is best suggested to execute them in the morning or evening when the weather is less outraged. Intense physical activity outside can cause heatstroke, cramps, severe headache, and loss of consciousness.
While you take care of yourself during a heat wave, be kind and mindful of the needs of more vulnerable people. Your luxury may create a lacuna for others in relieving them from the heat wave. If you can extend help by offering water, creating shades and shelters, and donating cooling gadgets, among others; it can be cool (like literally!).
