Here is how you can protect yourself from the extreme summer heat 21^st March 2022

With those delicious ice creams and mangoes, the warm summer months can provide a lot of joy! However, it's that time of year again, when we sweat through our pores and anxiously wait for the rains to come. Even for the most experienced of us, summer in India can be harsh, with increasing global warming and climate change contributing to it. It can be hazardous by increasing the risk of heatstroke, in addition to making us feel exhausted and sapped.

It is usually best to spend most of your time indoors if the temperatures are too high outside. However, this is not possible all the time. As a result, being well-prepared for the summer heat is the best approach to protect ourselves from it. While there are some precautions to avoid falling sick in the extreme summer heat, a health insurance plan is always noteworthy protection against any health ailment.

So, here's a list of some of the most simple and effective ways to protect yourself against the harmful effects of severe heat on your body.

1. Dress light:
Light, comfortable clothing is one of the most effective approaches to beat the summer heat when you're outside. Stick to lighter colours and breathable textiles like cotton. It will not only keep you cool and comfortable, but it will also prevent skin infections and irritations caused by skin-to-fabric friction. On the other hand, wearing dark-coloured clothing, such as black or brown, absorbs the sun’s rays, making you feel more burning than usual.

2. Rehydrate:
To compensate for the fluids lost from sweating, you need to drink plenty of water. Don't wait till you are thirsty, as it is not always a direct indication that your body requires more water. When exercising, tiny sips of liquid are preferable. The most excellent solution to restore lost fluids is water. If you sweat a lot, use water with salt added to it. You may also drink fresh fruit juices to keep yourself energetic, active, and fresh during the retiring summer days.

3. Eye gears:
Excessive exposure to the sun might harm the eyes permanently. One of the most common causes of unpleasant headaches is exposure to intense sunlight. Wear a good pair of sunglasses that give UV protection to safeguard your eyes and vision. If you use prescription glasses, you should look for lenses with an additional layer of UV protection. Also, after a long and exhausting day in the sun, applying an active cooling gel eye mask can provide significant comfort to your eyes.

4. Light diet:
Always choose a light diet over a heavy one. Fried and fatty foods impede the digestive system, negatively impacting general health. During the summer, stick to soft foods, particularly raw vegetables. Avoid alcoholic beverages, tea and coffee, which can promote dehydration. Tea and coffee inhibit the functioning of antidiuretic hormones, making you go to pee frequently.

5. Prevent skin damage:
It's impossible to overemphasise the need of wearing sunscreen, especially on hot days. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher appropriate for your skin type. Apply it for at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun. Try to wear full-sleeved clothes to avoid direct contact of your skin with the sun’s rays.

With its longer days, lovely blossoms, and evening breeze, summer comes with its own set of experiences, which we cannot avoid. We must be particularly cautious about our health and ensure that the heat does not suffocate us. The steps outlined here are for prevention and should be added with extra protection by the best health insurance if things don't go as planned. Stay safe this summer.

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.