Lifestyle Tips: How to keep yourself safe in this scorching heat

❐ Lifestyle Desk
April to June — This time in Bangladesh is not just hot, it is a scorching season. The temperature reaches 38 to 42 degrees Celsius, and with it the increased humidity, the body becomes unbearable. However, if you follow some simple habits, it is possible to get through this difficult time healthily.

Water and drinks: Keep cool from the inside out
The biggest danger in summer is dehydration. The body loses water and salt quickly through sweat, so drink at least three to four liters of water every day — not just when you feel thirsty, but at regular intervals. Coconut water, lemon water, watermelon juice, and saline water keep the body’s electrolyte balance in check during this season. If you sweat a lot, drink saline water or ORS along with plain water.

On the other hand, tea, coffee and cola drinks are diuretics and can further increase dehydration. Drink in limited quantities. Also, avoid drinking excessively cold water suddenly, especially after coming back from a sweaty day outside.

Clothing and outdoor activities
The right choice of clothing makes a huge difference in the heat. Choose light, loose-fitting clothing made of cotton. White, light blue or yellow colors absorb less heat and keep the body relatively cool. Dark-colored clothes absorb more of the sun’s heat, so avoid them during the day.

Use an umbrella or a wide-brimmed hat when going outside. It is important to protect your head and neck from direct sunlight. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to your skin twenty minutes before going out. The sun is at its strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. — it is best to avoid being outside during these times unless absolutely necessary.

Food: Keep it light and fresh.
Heavy or oily food in summer generates excess heat in the body and causes digestive problems. Light dishes of fish, vegetables and pulses are ideal during this season. Save biryani or heavy meat dishes for the night instead of lunch.

Watermelon, cucumber, pineapple, mango, litchi — these seasonal fruits contain a lot of water and mineral salts that keep the body refreshed. Make a habit of eating small amounts frequently rather than eating too much at once.

Avoid street-cut fruits or open food as much as possible. Food spoils quickly in the heat and the risk of food poisoning increases. Do not eat stale food under any circumstances.

Follow the methods below to relieve the discomfort of sweating.

Eliminate the discomfort of sweating
Excessive sweating not only causes a wet feeling, but also causes rashes, itching and bad odor. Take a bath at least twice a day — in the morning and in the afternoon — in normal temperature water. Use talcum powder on the neck, armpits and thigh folds, it absorbs sweat and prevents rashes.

Don’t stay in sweaty clothes for long — bacteria grow quickly in wet clothes. Keep your room cool by drawing curtains during the day. Open windows at night. If you don’t have a fan, hanging wet clothes can also cool your room a bit.

Heatstroke: Recognize the symptoms, don’t delay
Symptoms of heatstroke include dizziness, nausea, sudden loss of sweating, and a body temperature of over 40 degrees Celsius. This is a medical emergency. Quickly move the victim to a shaded or cool place, wipe the body with a wet cloth, give them water to drink, and get them to the hospital as soon as possible.

The elderly, children, and those who work long hours in the sun are most at risk.

Sleep and rest
It’s normal to have trouble sleeping in the heat. Take a warm bath before bed — it actually lowers your body temperature and helps you fall asleep. Use light cotton sheets and change your pillowcases frequently.

Placing a bowl of ice water near your head will create a cool breeze as the fan blows air — a cost-effective and effective technique.

Special care for children and the elderly
Children’s temperature control systems are not yet fully developed, and adults’ ability to regulate their temperature gradually decreases. Make sure people in these two age groups drink water regularly, don’t take them out in the midday sun, and seek medical advice without delay, even if they experience mild symptoms.

Although the heat is difficult, it is possible to get through this season healthily and naturally with awareness and some simple habits.

How to stay free from sweat odor and itching
Many people suffer from sweat, sweat odor, and itching during the hot summer days. However, it is possible to easily get rid of this problem by following some home remedies.

Why does itching occur?
Sweat is released through our body’s hair follicles to cool the body and remove pollutants. But when sweat cannot be released properly, it accumulates inside the hair follicles and causes itching.

Many people try to reduce sweating problems by using excess powder. While this may temporarily reduce sweating, it can increase skin problems in the long run. This is because powder blocks the sweat glands, causing sweat to get trapped inside the hair follicles and form into a rash.

Ways to get rid of itching and sweat odor
Bathe regularly: No matter how late you get home at night, it’s important to bathe regularly. Allowing sweat to build up on your body increases the chances of chafing.

Wipe away sweat: When you are outside, you should not let sweat sit on your body. If you sweat a lot, it is better to wipe your face, neck, hands and feet repeatedly with a wet towel or washcloth. Therefore, it is important to keep a cotton towel or cloth with you.

Avoiding the sun: If you spend a lot of time in the sun, your skin will start sweating excessively, which can increase the problem of itching. Therefore, it is better to avoid the sun.

Wearing cotton clothes: Doctors recommend wearing light and loose cotton clothes on hot days because cotton clothes allow air to circulate easily and keep the body cool by absorbing sweat.

Avoid perfumes and powders: Many people use perfumes or talcum powder in summer, which clog the sweat glands and increase the problem of itching. Therefore, excessive use of cosmetics should be avoided.

By following these simple rules, it will be possible to keep away the problem of sweating and itching even in the heat.