Summer brings with it a plethora of problems – skin, hair and health problems like sunstroke, and heat boils. Summer also calls for a change in diet and other healthy living tips. We chalk out the 15 best summer health care tips to practice this summer season.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke, a severe form of hyperthermia, occurs when the human body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. This is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention.
Remedy: It is important to lower the temperature of the body, hence immerse yourself in ice if you have too or take a cold shower. You can prevent heat stroke by wearing loose and light clothes, drink water and do not exert yourself during summer.
Heat cramps symptoms
Muscle pains or spasms usually occur in the abdomen, arms or legs. Spasms usually occur in coordination with strenuous physical activity.
Home remedies: Rest in a cool place. Drink clear juice or electrolyte-enriched drinks. Do not go back to strenuous activity even after cramps subside since it may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion symptoms
Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, fainting, muscle cramps, fainting.
Home remedies: Rest. Have cool non-alcoholic beverages, a cool shower, bath or sponge bath. Use light clothing.
Dehydration symptoms
Dry mouth and eyes, dry skin, a condition where sweating nearly stops, muscle cramps, nausea, heart palpitations and light headedness.
Prevention: Re-hydration with water, clear broths, and any other water replacements that contain electrolytes, like Gatorade.
Home remedies: Fluid replacement and control through diet and medication. Fever medication.
Also read: Ban the Summer Tan With Natural Home Remedies
Skin care: Rosacea
Rosacea symptom is your skin will turn red due to over exposure to the sun and the heat. The redness appears as the excess heat causes the blood vessels to dilate.
Remedy: Avoid direct sunlight. Always use a good sunscreen with SPF 30+
Skin care: Sunburn
The ultra violent radiation burns the skin when you spend long hours under direct sun. Sunburn symptoms are patches of darkened skin peeling away.
Remedy: For Indians it is recommended to stay indoors during 10am to 4pm when the sun light is at it peak.
Home remedies:
- Mix together the juice of six peeled cucumbers, two cups powdered milk and two teaspoons dried lavender flowers.
- Apply the above paste directly on the affected areas of the skin.
- One cup of the mixture added to lukewarm water can be used as a skin smoothening balm.
Skin care: Sun tan
Sun tan makes your skin darker which is a taboo for Indians.
Remedy: Avoid sun block to be repeated every two to three hours. Skin lightening treatment and therapies like rehydration helps.
Skin care: Prickly heat
Prickly heat affects everyone; it is a result of sweat and humidity that causes bacterial infection on the skin.
Remedy:
- Having cold showers, wearing loose clothes, putting talcum powder after a bath, applying calamine lotion on the rashes.
- Apply medicated talcum powder.
- Keep the area dry and clean.
Skin care: Foot infection
Sweating and humidity can increase your chances of foot infection during summer.
Remedy: There are several anti-bacterial powders available in medical stores. And scrub your feet and the toes thoroughly to wash off the bacteria. But for dire skin ailment consult a dermatologist.
Skin care: Dandruff
Dandruff is aggravated during summer heat and sweat. Dandruff causes hair loss and is an unhygienic skin condition.
Summer diet
One must eat cold foods such as watermelon, yogurt, berries and the likes. Such foods are low in calories and additionally require very little energy for digestion. Usually such foods taste better when chilled and are therefore traditionally eaten that way. Naturally, eating such chilled low calorie foods feels good in the summer months.
Drinking very chilled liquids is not advisable. Food consumed at extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, is not appropriate for the body. The body has to work extra in order to get the temperature close to the body temperature. Drinking warm or cool (as opposed to hot and cold) liquids are best suited for the body.