Five ways to beat the October heat: water, cotton clothes and light meals
With humid heat setting in once the rains leave, here are five steps on water, clothing, food, afternoon outings and hygiene to stay healthy.
When the monsoon ends, it seems winter is about to begin, but that does not happen. In late September and October, an odd kind of heat sets in, known as October heat. The rain goes, but the air stays very humid. Sweat comes but does not dry. The body feels as if it is burning and one feels uneasy, which directly affects health and skin.
Even slight carelessness in these days can bring dehydration, skin rashes, fatigue and headaches. It is therefore important to take care during this heat. Here are five points.
The first is water. In October heat, people sweat heavily, and a fall in the body's water level leads to dehydration. At least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day are advised. Do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. Keep sipping water at short intervals.
Along with plain water, keep taking lemon water, coconut water, buttermilk, kokum sherbet and jeera water. These also help keep the body's salt balance. Always carry a water bottle when going out. Do not drink too many cold drinks, tea or coffee, as they make one feel more thirsty.
The second is clothing. The choice of clothes matters a great deal in these days. Avoid tight clothes, jeans and nylon altogether, as they increase sweating and cause rashes on the body. Always wear loose cotton clothes. Cotton absorbs sweat and lets air reach the body. Colour matters too. Dark shades such as black and blue absorb more heat, so wear light colours such as white, light blue or light green. Wear cotton to the office too, if possible.
The third is food. Avoid heavy meals in October heat. Oily, fried and spicy foods add to the heat and upset the stomach. Eat fruits with a high water content. Have watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, oranges, mosambi and grapes every day. Eat curd, buttermilk, salad and leafy vegetables. Cut down on non-vegetarian and very spicy food in these days. Keep dinner very light and eat on time.
The fourth is the afternoon. The sun is strongest between 12 noon and 4 pm. If possible, do not step out at this time, and go only if the work is very urgent. If you must go, carry an umbrella, wear a cap, put on sunglasses and take a water bottle. Do not send small children and the elderly out at this hour, as they are affected by heat stroke more quickly. Do not drink cold water immediately after coming in from outside; wait a while and then drink.
The fifth is cleanliness. Sweat increases bacteria on the body, causing itching, rashes and prickly heat. Bathe twice a day in these days. Adding a little neem water or alum to the bath water is fine. Dry the body fully after bathing. Do not use strongly scented soap or powder. Change clothes daily and do not keep sweat-soaked clothes on the body for long.
October heat lasts only a few days, but if health is neglected in this period, it does not take long to fall ill. So drink plenty of water, eat light, wear cotton clothes and avoid the afternoon sun. With a little care, this October heat too will pass easily.
