ÂWater is the only drink for a wise man. – Henry David Thoreau, American Naturalist As you all know, our…
ÂWater is the only drink for a wise man. – Henry David Thoreau, American Naturalist
As you all know, our body is maintained in a constant range of temperature. In the summer especially when you are outdoors, body faces an extra heat load. Initially the body tries to dissipate the heat by various mechanisms. Sweating occurs and when it evaporates, it cools the body. Excess heat is also thrown out through exhaled breath, urine and faeces. But with continuous heat load, this body defences can weaken and even fail.
Dr. Santosh Datar from Ziqitza Healthcare Limited (ZHL) remarked,Âthe combination of excessive heat load, less water intake and excessive sweating can lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses. Rigorous exercise or any illness such as fever, loose motions or vomiting can aggravate dehydration. Dehydration can occur in people of all ages, but young children, babies and older adults are more prone to it.
Experts at Ziqitza identifies various heat related illnesses and their symptoms as tabulated below.
| Effect | Mechanism | Symptoms |
| Sunburn | Exposure to sun | Superficial skin burns |
| Heat Rash | Clogging of sweat gland ducts | Rash and itching |
| Heat Cramps | Loss of excessive water and salts | Muscle cramps in arms, legs and abdomen |
| Dehydration | Loss of water from body | Increased thirst, dry mouth, weakness, headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, dry and cracked lips, irritability, dark coloured urine |
| Heat Exhaustion | Excess heat load | Fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, mild disorientation, elevated body temperature |
| Syncope | Fainting | |
| Heat Stroke | Failure of heat regulation | Confusion, strange behaviour, vomiting, red, hot and dry skin, shallow breathing, convulsions, unconsciousness |
Dr. Santosh Datar from Ziqitza Limited highlights few Preventive Measures for Heat Related Illnesses
1) Drink plenty of water and fluids
The best way to avoid dehydration is to drink plenty of water throughout the day, but this can also be supplemented with coconut water, lemon water, fresh buttermilk, clear soup or fruit juices (without sugar) once in a while to keep up your electrolyte levels. Sweetened fruit juices, cold drinks and alcohol should be avoided. When you pass urine, look at the colour. If it is dark coloured, you water intake is not sufficient. You may look at the urine colour chart available on the internet. Some medicines can also change the colour of urine. Similar observations were made by experts at ZHL Rajasthan.
2) Wear appropriate clothing
Loose-fitting, lightweight, light-coloured cotton clothes are ideal to be worn during this season. Dark colours absorb more heat, which in turn, will increase your body temperature, while tight clothes will absorb the sweat, instead of letting it evaporate from your body. Sweating is bodyÂs natural cooling system, and it is best to wear airy clothing which allows your body to keep cool naturally.
3) Protection from direct exposure to sunlight
Avoid going outdoors during midday if possible. If you have to go, walk in the shades, wear wide-brim hats, sunglasses or use an umbrella. Carry a water bottle and take regular sips. Use sunscreen with SPF higher than 15 to avoid getting sunburns. If your day plans include a visit to the pool or a beach, use a water-resistant one with a higher SPF rating.
4)Avoid diuretics
Diuretics are substances or foods that increase the production of urine, which in turn results in loss of fluids from the body. Alcohol and caffeine containing beverages like coffee, cola have diuretic properties and should be avoided. Avoid tobacco and smoking. Ziqitza Rajasthan & Ziqitza Limited Rajasthan have worked closely with frontline health workers to educate about avoiding smoking.
5) Eat fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, oranges, grapes and banana are rich in water content, essential minerals, and electrolytes. Include them in your diet for natural hydration. Additionally, avoid very spicy, oily and pungent foods as they can increase acidity.
Speaking about the importance ofemergency medical aid, Mr. Amitabh Japuria  MD & CEO, Ziqitza Healthcare Ltd said, ÂMedical emergency strikes without warning in form of an accident or sudden illness. Research has shown that many patients with severe injury or heart attack or any other life-threatening medical conditions, die within first one hour.Severe dehydration, severe heat exhaustion or heat stroke are medical emergencies. One needs to immediately call for professional help as time is of utmost essence to minimize complications and subsequent disabilities. It is therefore necessary for all people, including children and the elderly, to memorize the relevant emergency numbers, like 108 for emergency medical aid. These may vary from state to state and region to region.
About Ziqitza Healthcare Limited (ZHL)
Ziqitza Health Care Limited (ZHL), has been one of the leading players in IndiaÂs Emergency Medical Services industry since 2005. Ziqitza Limited is a Âone-stop integrated healthcare solution for corporate or government that include Integrated Emergency Services and Corporate Health Solutions. The service network includes 3,300 ambulances, state of art Helpline centres and medical mobile units that services 2 customers every second in India. We work with multiple state governments and 75 corporate clients in India and Gulf. Ziqitza is winner of Global Real impact Awards and Times Social Impact Award.
For further information please contact: visakh.dayanandan@zhl.in
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