Summer Care - How to Avoid Heat Exhaustion

• Get out of the sun, drink plenty of water. Ideally you should have plenty of water atleast half an hour before you go out into the sun.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables. This is because they have fairly high water content and good salt balance. Drink diluted electrolytes.
• People who sweat heavily tend to loose a lot of potassium and sodium. There are many over the counter electrolyte packs.
• Avoid salt tablets, alcohol, caffeine, smoking and do not bare your chest.
• Do not suddenly go out into the sun from an air-conditioned room or do the opposite. Learn to acclimatise slowly.
• Dousing your head and neck with cold water will help if it is hot and dry.
• Use a newspaper, handkerchief or a traditional hand held fan to keep yourself in cool breeze.
• Wear light and light coloured clothes. the preferred coloured is white because it reflects the heat. Use cotton or polyester blends because such cloth material can breathe.
• Use an umbrella or a hat, preferably one that also shades the neck and is well ventilated.