The whole country is burning in the heat. Moderate to severe heat wave is sweeping over Rajshahi, Jessore, Kushtia and Khulna regions. The rest of Rajshahi and Khulna divisions including Dhaka, Chittagong, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Sylhet and Barisal divisions are experiencing mild to moderate heat waves.
Meteorologists say the intense temperatures will last until the end of this week. But in this scorching heat, people of different ages, including children and the elderly, get sick. Anyone can suffer from common dehydration, indigestion and heatstroke if they are not careful.
The internal temperature of the human body is close to 36 degrees Celsius, but the soothing or cooling temperature for it is between 20 to 26 degrees Celsius.
And if the humidity in the air is within 60 degrees Celsius, then it is within the tolerance of human body. But if the temperature and humidity in the air is more than this, the human body cannot tolerate it. Then various discomforts and problems are seen.
Even temperatures above 41 degrees Celsius increase the risk of heatstroke.
But what is the way to stay healthy in the intense heat?
Water and aquatic foods should be eaten. To prevent dehydration of the body, plenty of water and aquatic foods should be eaten at this time.
Drinks like water, saline, fruit juice, syrup, dab add moisture to the body.
Experts believe that the issue of dehydration should be taken very seriously. Because dehydration can lead to stroke.
Water and water-rich foods as well as plenty of water-rich vegetables and fruits should be eaten.
Fruits like watermelon, pineapple, grapefruit, apple help reduce body heat.
In addition, the digestion process is completed by eating a lot of vegetables. It reduces the discomfort of the body.
Stay away from sunlight-
Do not go in direct sunlight or do extra work during the day when the temperature is high.
In Bangladesh, sunlight is most intense from 11 am to 3 pm.
Use umbrellas, hats, shoes and sandals when going out in the sun.
Use sunglasses to keep your eyes safe. You must take water with you before going anywhere.
Exclude fried and junk food.
In hot weather, fried food, or junk food, raises the body temperature.
Foods like burgers, potato chips or pizza are high in calories, sodium and saturated fat. As a result, on the one hand, as it feels hot, there is a risk of loss of appetite and indigestion. As a result, such foods should be avoided.
At the same time, experts advise to avoid caffeinated beverages.
Loose and cotton fabrics-
Experts recommend wearing light, loose and light colored cotton clothes in hot weather.
This type of fabric absorbs heat faster and allows air to pass through, resulting in less heat.
Keep the house cool-
Arrangements should be made to keep the house cool and to allow air to enter the house. If there are trees in the house, it absorbs heat. If the floor is paved, the house stays cold if you clean the house repeatedly.
Illnesses that can be-
In extreme heat, the human body usually becomes dehydrated due to excessive sweating.
Due to dehydration, the human body quickly becomes weak. In addition, indigestion and stomach upset and water-borne diseases can be a plague at this time.
There may be thin virulent stools with various viruses including rotavirus. Dizziness and nausea, in some cases nausea. Such illnesses can usually be avoided with a little caution.
But if one has shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness due to excessive heat, then a doctor’s advice should be sought immediately.
NH, 29 April