Kerala is facing an unprecedentedly stifling hot summer season with heatwave conditions, which is even causing sunstroke deaths. This is even though the state is receiving occasional summer rains. Mercury is expected to hit around 40 degrees in quite a few districts soon. Therefore, it is important to take precautionary steps to stay cool and safe this season. Dr S Appunni of SH Medical Centre, Kottayam, gives a few pointers on how to survive this summer.
1) Stay indoors from 11 am to 3 pm.
2) Carry a bottle of water while stepping out. Wear a hat or use an umbrella while going out.
3) Be careful if you have swelling in your legs or feel dizziness. If there is uneasiness, rest under shade for a while. Drink close to 3 litres of water even if you are not thirsty.

4) Drink lots of lime juice, tender coconut water, buttermilk and rice water.
5) Avoid carbonated drinks and alcohol.
6) Keep windows open to increase airflow in houses.
How to drink water right?
According to experts, it is important to note that feeling thirsty isn't the key to drinking water this season. Thirst indicates that the body is already dehydrated, but you don't have to wait for the sign to hydrate your body. At regular intervals, sip enough water that is safe and clean. You can also consider drinking electrolyte-enhanced beverages like coconut water. If you are a person who spends most of your day inside air-conditioned rooms, there is a chance your body is still getting dehydrated due to the drying out of air. So, you have to also replenish lost fluids as per your activity level.  

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