CONTENTS: 5 Summer Mistakes That Could Cost You Your Life

• Heatwave Dangers: Protect Yourself
• Heatwave’s Health Risks
• Heatwave’s Deadly Impacts
• Beat the Heat: Dos & Don’ts

Each year, heatwaves claim numerous lives, highlighting the grave danger extreme heat poses to human health and safety. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can significantly impact various aspects of our well-being, potentially leading to severe and life-threatening consequences. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the necessary precautions to take during peak sun hours to protect ourselves. Venturing out in scorching temperatures can quietly take a toll on both our physical and mental well-being.

Extended exposure to high temperatures can result in severe conditions such as heat stroke, which require urgent medical attention due to the risk of loss of consciousness and sometimes seizures. Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions should exercise extra caution during heatwaves, as it can adversely affect heart function. According to experts, being exposed to environmental temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F) can have grave and potentially lethal consequences on human health.

Dr. Tushar Tayal, a Consultant in Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, highlights five significant impacts of heatwaves on the body, which if not addressed, can turn deadly:

1. Heat exhaustion: This is a less severe form of heat-related illness resulting from prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps. If left untreated, it can escalate to heat stroke.

2. Heat stroke: At extreme temperatures, the body struggles to regulate its internal temperature, leading to heat stroke. Symptoms include a high body temperature (above 40°C or 104°F), confusion, loss of consciousness, and sometimes seizures. Without immediate medical attention, heat stroke can be fatal.

3. Dehydration: The body loses fluids rapidly through sweating in an attempt to cool down, resulting in severe dehydration. Symptoms include extreme thirst, dry mouth, reduced urine output, and in severe cases, confusion, dizziness, and fainting.

4. Cardiovascular stress: Heat places additional strain on the heart as it works harder to cool the body. This poses a significant risk, particularly for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.

5. Skin damage: High temperatures, especially when coupled with strong sunlight, can cause severe skin damage, including sunburn. Prolonged exposure can also elevate the risk of skin cancer over time due to UV radiation.

Don’ts:

1. Avoid going outdoors between 12 noon and 3 pm, unless absolutely necessary.
2. Refrain from engaging in physically demanding activities during high temperatures.
3. Steer clear of beverages like alcohol, coffee, and tea, as they can contribute to dehydration.
4. Avoid consuming protein-rich or stale foods.
5. Never leave pets or children locked in a car.

Dos:

1. Stay hydrated regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
2. Incorporate hydrating foods like watermelon and homemade drinks such as lemonade, lassi, and chhach (buttermilk) into your diet.
3. Take cool baths and ensure your home remains cool by using shutters, sunshades, and curtains during the day, and keeping windows open at night.
4. Opt for light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and use protective accessories like goggles, hats, caps, umbrellas, and appropriate footwear when venturing out in the sun.
5. Keep cool by applying a damp cloth to your head and limbs, and seek shade or use a cap or umbrella to avoid direct sunlight and heat exposure.