Dr KK Aggarwal
Padma Shri and Dr B C Roy National Awardee
President, Heart Care Foundation of India
With the start of summer, disorders like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, typhoid, jaundice and diarrhea become common and most can be prevented, said Dr. KK Aggarwal, Padma Shri & Dr. B.C. Roy National Awardee and President, Heart Care Foundation of India. Heat disorders are caused by too much heat production or by too little heat loss.
Do’s and Don’ts
Strenuous exertion in a very hot environment should be avoided.
- When exertion in a hot environment cannot be avoided, drinking plenty of fluids and frequently cooling the skin can help keep body temperature near normal.
- Walking is a necessity for heart patients and the same should be continued even during peak summer but the timing should be so chosen that peak heat periods are avoided. One can walk early in the morning or late in the evening.
- People taking anti-allergic pills should take special precautions as they are more likely to develop heat stroke.
- The best summer dress is light, loose-fitting clothing made of cloth that breathes such as cotton.
Fluids and salts lost through sweating can be replaced by consuming lightly salted foods and beverages, such as salted lemon water.
- To replace adequate amounts of fluids, drinking must continue even after thirst is quenched.
- People engaged in outdoor activities who drink large quantities of water may dilute the sodium in the blood. Consuming salt can alleviate this problem.
- Enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces, such as a car, can heat up rapidly. In hot weather, the interior of a closed car can heat from 80 to 120°F in 15 minutes. Children and pets should never be left in such an environment, even for a few minutes.
- Maintain food and water hygiene during this season.
- Do not eat cut open fruits and vegetables.
- Do not eat left over food of more than 2 hours duration at room temperature.
- Remember the formula cook it, boil it, peel it, heat it or forget it.
