Experts’ tips to beat summer heat without any major health issues

Stressing on the need to avoid the consumption of water from stalls, Dr R Kathiravan, Designated Food Safety Officer, said, “The water sold by roadside shops and stalls cannot be always trusted. Also, while purchasing packaged drinking water, one must look out whether the labels are perfect. The labels must have ISI mark and the cans must be registered with the Food Safety Department.” 

Urging the public to carry water bottles and drink a lot of water, Dr K Kolandaisamy, Director, Department of Public Health, said, “We have to consume a lot of water and juices to keep the balance in our bodies and ensure we don’t suffer from dehydration.” 

He stressed on the need for the public to avoid consuming unbranded water. “Also, though storing water may seem like a good idea, it must be done with care to avoid the breeding of the aedes mosquito,” he stated.   

“Drink plenty of water, eat some amount of fruits or green salad. While many crave spicy food, it is best to avoid consuming spicy or oily foods,” said dietician Kavya M, adding, “Onion and cucumbers must be consumed regularly.” While it is important to focus on the intake of different kinds of food and water, protecting our skin from getting sunburnt is also stressed. 

“The common skin problems are prickly heat or miliaria rubra, heat boils or impetigo, fungal infections or ringworms, sunlight allergy or polymorphic eruptions and skin diseases, all of which are aggravated during summer,” said a skin specialist in the city.  

Doctors from the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital recently conducted an awareness programme regarding the same. Always carry an umbrella. We must ensure that we shower two-times a day and wash our faces as many times as possible, doctors from the Dermatology Department of the hospital had stressed. 

“Change your clothes and innerwear regularly to prevent infections and do not use any others’ towel or handkerchief. Wear loose cotton dresses of light colours and avoid tight clothes like jeans and leggings,” said Dr Jayanthi S a general doctor, adding, “Visiting the doctor when anyone develops any viral rash like measles or chickenpox, is a priority.”