The reason, why this article is uploaded today, is the fact that today is happy Birthday of my daughter and this is a gift to her.

Summer season – the scorching sun rays heats up the earth leaving it dry and hot. The sun sucks moisture from the earth seizing the energy from humans, plants and animals leaving them dehydrated. The earth seems to be burning with heat and animals feels suffering from fever by the effect of hot wind and consequent sweating. The trees have no shade under them because of falling of ripened leaves.

The summer season remains generally active during mid May to mid July every year in tropical countries like India. However, this year in 2017, the summers have been preponed by one month. The temperature has already touched 44 degree Celsius or, may be more.

This period is considered seriously with regard to many diseases which are spreaded very quickly at this time. As the fire element increases in summer, the moisture in the body reduces causing the increase of dryness. Energy loss from the body is also found to be at higher rate. Apart, the immunity is also reduced.

Dehydration is the one of the major problems in summer. In a scorching summer heat people normally sweat up to 2-3 litres per hour. Hence, drinking plenty of water is the best way to prevent dehydration. The coconut water, butter milk, sugar-cane juice, are considered ideal summer drinks since ages.

The food and activities should be such that it combats the hot and dry qualities of the atmosphere. Sweet, cold and liquid foods are suggested in summers as they brings back the moistures, sucked out by the summer heat.

Summer fruits like Watermelon, Mango, Sugarcane, Dates, Grapes, Oranges and other juicy fruits are the best naturally available nutritious food to maintain the balance in body.

Traditionally, many beverages are prepared during summer like Aam panna, Lassi, many varieties of Sharbat etc.

The skin problems such as prickly heat, heat rash, etc. also occur during summer season which are managed with cool showers or bath in pools and anointing with sandal paste.

Other common indigestion related problems may also arisen quite often because of wrong diet and wrong activities. The vital strength is weak and later it may cause Diarrhea, Gastroenteritis etc. As a preventive measure the diet should be sweet, light, less fatty and more of liquid in nature, avoiding the salty hot pungent tastes.

We may face heat related problems in three stages: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat cramps are the least serious, but are an indication of approaching trouble.

Symptoms of heat cramps: Increased heart rate, a feeling of faintness, dizziness, extreme tiredness, hot or sweaty skin and a flushed face etc. which may be followed by nausea or vomiting.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion: It is more serious with the similar symptoms of heat cramps, but, here, the body temperature also increases, causing fever sometimes.

Symptoms of heat stroke: It is the most serious and, if untreated, may damage the brain. The main indications of heat stroke are dry skin, dry mouth, mental confusion, headache, shallow breathing, loss of consciousness, disruption in supply of blood in brain and extreme weakness.

If someone is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, get medical help immediately. Get them out of the heat; remove the outer layers of clothing, and loosen any tight clothing; lay them down with the legs elevated; fan them and if the person has dry skin, apply wet compresses.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

• Water is the best drink. Drink lots of water before, during and after an event because, body loses more fluid through sweating.

• Please remember, feeling thirsty, means the body is already 15% dehydrated.

• Day sleep is permitted as there will be long days and shorter nights.

• Wear light thin cotton cloths to keep the body cool.

• Walk slowly while, going out initially and then build up your exposure to the heat.

• Apply sandal over the body and perfumes to keep the body cool and pleasant.

• Wear all natural fabrics. The natural fibers will allow skin breathe and wick out moisture.

• Keep a wet or damp cloth on the back of your neck.

• There are some products that can be hydrated ahead of time and worn like a neckerchief. They are filled with absorbent beads that will stay wet for a number of hours.

• A period remedy for keeping cool was to put a large cabbage leaf on the top of your head under your hat. The moisture from the cabbage leaf helps keep your head cool.

• Enjoy the cool breeze from the fan, prepared with palm leaves dipped in sandal water.

• Easiest way to beat summer is to perform oil Bath with Gingerly oil.

• Summer may be best enjoyed near beautiful lakes, forests gardens, having flowers with fragrance.

• The days should be spent indoor as far as possible and nights in the open under the cool moon rays with sweet smelling flowers all around.

• Use an umbrella or hat and cover the head with a cloth.

• DRINK, DRINK, AND DRINK MORE WATER OR, RECOMMENDED BEVERAGES.

Don’ts:

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine & soft drinks since they all act as diuretics and may cause more fluid loss.

• Additional replacement of electrolyte is not needed as the diet is usually salty enough.

• Monitor the frequency, quantity and colour of urine every time and make sure to urinate around 300-500 ml in 2-3 hours and its colour should be clear yellow. The dark yellow or, orange colour indicate that the body needs fluids immediately.

• Seek medical assistance immediately if sickness or any other problem is feel sick or experienced.

• Avoid wearing synthetic fibers as they retain moisture and don’t allow the skin to breath, so body gets more heat.

• When it is extremely hot and humid, restrict your activity as much as possible.

• Do not go out in the direct sun.

• Avoid extensive physical activity.

• Do not send children or pets out in the sun or leave them in closed vehicles.

• Do not consume caffeinated drinks (including aerated drinks) and alcohol during extreme heat

• Avoid wearing dark, heavy or tight clothes

• Avoid cooking during peak heat hours. If it is necessary to cook, then, open doors & windows in order to ventilate the cooking area.

• The pungent, spicy, salty and sour foods which produce too much heat in the body, must be avoided.

• No alcohol or wine taken in summer months can cause weight loss, flabbiness of body, acidity

• The frequency of sexual inter courses should be reduced if the weakness in body is felt.

• DO NOT USE HONEY IF THE MIXTURE IS TO BE GIVEN TO A CHILD LESS THAN ONE YEAR OLD.

Have a safe summer this season.

PS: I am not a health professional. Hence, whenever, an expected hot event or, symptoms described, in the above article, is felt, please seek medical help immediately.

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