How to Prevent yourself from Loo in Summer
Summer is the warmest season of the year. Most people enjoy summer because it is a time for outdoor activities like swimming, barbecues, and vacations. The longer days and sunshine also boost mood and energy levels for many individuals. However, summer arrives along with heat and heat related illnesses. One of the most severe being heatstroke, commonly known in some regions as ‘loo’.
The term ‘loo’ originates from India, referring to the hot, dry winds that blow in from the northwest during the peak summer months, causing extreme temperatures. Preventing yourself from the loo is crucial to maintaining your health and well-being during the sweltering summer months. Here are seven strategies to help you stay safe and cool.
Hydration is the key
One of the most important steps to prevent heatstroke is to keeping your body well-hydrated. You should drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Water helps regulate your body temperature and keeps you cool. You can also include hydrating beverages like coconut water, lemonade, and water detox. You should avoid drinks that dehydrate you, such as alcohol, caffeine, and sugary sodas.
Limit Sun Exposure
One should try to stay indoors during the peak hours of sun exposure, typically between 11a.m. and 2 p.m. If you need to be outside, seek shade whenever possible and take frequent breaks to cool down. Similarly, you can carry an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun’s rays. You should apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to 50 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which not only cause sunburn but also increase the effects of heat on your body.
Keep Your Living Space Cool
You should try to keep your living space cool by using fans, air conditioners, and taking cool showers to lower your body temperature as well. At home, you can keep your living spaces cool by using curtains or blinds to block out the sun and avoiding using heat-generating appliances during the hottest parts of the day, like dark clothes. If you do not have air conditioning, consider traditional cooling methods like using coolers, wet towels, or spray bottles to mist yourself with water. Moreover, you can also create cross-ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of your home to encourage airflow.
Eat Light
Eating heavy meals can increase your body temperature and make you feel more uncomfortable in the heat. You should try eating light, easily digestible foods like fruits, vegetables, salads, and yogurt. These foods not only keep you cool but also provide essential nutrients and hydration. Likewise, avoid eating spicy foods, as they can increase your body temperature. So consider selecting lighter meals during the summer. Having cooling foods like yogurt, cucumber raita, and buttermilk can help regulate your body temperature.
Dress Accordingly
You should wear the right clothing that can make a significant difference in managing heat. So choose light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen outfits. These materials allow for better air circulation and help keep your body cool. Also, wearing a cap/hat or carrying an umbrella can provide additional protection from direct sunlight.
Recognize the Symptoms
You should understand the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, which can help you act quickly. Some early signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headaches, and muscle cramps. If you experience these symptoms, you should move to a cooler place, drink water, and rest. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, seek medical attention immediately.
Plan Ahead
Plant before heading out like checking the weather forecast and make your activities around cooler parts of the day. You should keep emergency contacts and information on hand in case you or someone you are with needs medical assistance. Furthermore, place and time can make a significant difference in preventing heatstroke.
By following these practical steps, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of heatstroke and enjoy the summer. Remember, prevention is better than cure, so stay hydrated, stay cool, and stay informed.
Photo Credit: Coffeekai, Giuseppe Lombardo, grafxart8888, Dima Berlin, MEDITERRANEAN, onlyyouqj, sankalpmaya, priyanka gupta, SasinParaksa
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