It's Summer Already

Met office says the onset is due nine days from now, but the season is rushing in early.

BENGALURU: Although summer officially begins on March 1, the season has already set in if you go by the temperature in the city.

The average maximum temperature was 30 degrees Celsius in the course of last week, and that, say met officials, is what you experience once the summer is here. The temperature may further shoot up in the coming days.

Doctors advise precautionary measures, like carrying an umbrella and a water bottle.

“On February 20, the city recorded a maximum temperature of 32 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 20 degrees. On February 19, it was 31.9 and 18 degrees respectively. The average maximum is 30 degrees and average minimum 17. As the days progress, the temperature may shoot up,” said a weather official.

Health Hazards

Dehydration, urinary tract infections, wheezing, gastro-enteritis and skin problems are common in the season.

“I have already treated a few adult cases with dehydration, with people complaining of fatigue and bloating of stomach. A good intake of fluid helps. Electrolyte imbalance could prove fatal,” said Dr S Vagesh, senior specialist, internal medicine, KC General Hospital.

Eating at unhygienic places could result in gastro-enteritis, he warned. Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital is also getting cases with summer ailments. “Patients are coming in with a burning sensation when they urinate. This is mostly caused by a urinary tract infection. When a person loses liquids, crystals are formed along the urinary tract,” said Dr K Ravi, professor of medicine, Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital.

As pollution levels rise, wheezing is triggered. Children and the elderly, besides people with hypertension, diabetes and sensitive skin, are especially vulnerable. “Itches result in scratching and infection. Some people get warts and blisters in feet. People who wear tight shoes for long hours could be affected,” said R K Hanumanthayya, Associate Professor, Dermatology, Vydehi Medical College and Hospital.

Gear up for the Hot Season

• Carry an umbrella and a water bottle.
• Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day which doesn’t contain any sugars that add up to unnecessary calories.
• A lemon and honey drink can instantly replenish your body’s lost fluids.
• Drink fluids even if you are not yet thirsty. Once you have the feeling of being thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
• Eat light, small, frequent meals. Start the morning with a sweet, juicy fruit at breakfast. Ripe summer fruits — peaches, plums, melons and pears — are what your skin craves for in the hot season.
• Citrus fruits are cooling. Eat whole or extract their juice, store in the refrigerator and sip often throughout the day.
• Include salads in your diet. Consuming leafy lettuce, summer greens and cucumbers is a delicious way to stay cool. These foods contain a significant amount of water and can actually thin the blood, which has a cooling effect.
• If you get burnt (sun stroke or heat stroke), seek relief by sipping on green tea or take a spoon of onion juice. They are potent antioxidants that can neutralise cellular damage caused by the sun’s rays. Apply lotions that can help.
• Wear loose, full-sleeved cotton clothes to protect the body from the sun and aid evaporation of sweat.  Use a hat to protect your head from the sun when you go out.

Avoid wearing shoes and try slippers to protect your feet from blisters and warts.

 (Tips provided by Dr K Ravi)