Hello Summers...

Ahhhh summer !!!..what power you have …to make us suffer and like it …..

A permission slip to be lazy… it’s the summers … the most trying … yet the most entertaining and interesting season …it’s the summers …. the summers  which is approaching  at a galloping speed.. 

Although different people would sum up the summer season and its experiences in myriads of  different manners  for example its fun time, no school - holiday time for children , it’s a pain in the neck for mothers of such fun loving children. The sultry heat takes its toll on the office goers and people tend to fall sick with heat stroke, dehydration etc…but nonetheless everyone would agree that our body needs to be pampered the most in this season. … well..lets have a demo on how we should protect ourselves from the scorching  heat  of the Indian summers.

1)Hydrate yourself-

The most important thing to be done in summers is drink plenty of  liquids to replenish our body fluids. You can choose according to your wish but water is no doubt the best. Apart from water one can gorge on tender coconut water , fresh fruit juices like watermelon, orange etc, lassi (namken or sweet), buttermilk etc… these tend to hydrate the body as well as keep the stomach cool .Sattu ka ghol (a bihari speciality ) which is ground gram flour to be mixed with water , salt , lemon and spices is the biggest hit in the sultry summers for its soothing properties. But please… a big no to processed and packaged juices and a very big no to cold drinks although I do understand that cold drinks tend to catch our eyes only too much .

2)Skin care –

Our face is our identity and warrants a special care routine .During summers  it tends to become  sweaty and dark and oily depending upon the skin type. Face should be kept clean of dust and sweat. Lemon and tomato are good to keep face clean. Too much sun is bad for the skin as more melanin gets produced which often tans the skin . Use a good sun screen before going out into the sun and it must be applied 10 minutes before you step out in the sun. Exfoliate you skin at least once a week to keep away the dust , oil, grime that has accumulated in the skin . Aloe vera gel , curd , rose water etc. works wonders to cool  our skin during the summers .

But you need not fear the sun too much  because it helps to produce more serotonin which is a mood enhancer.

3)Maintain hygiene-

Taking bath twice a day would keep you fresh and help combat lethargy. Make sure you bathe after a swim to take off the chlorine from your body .Soaking  hands and feet in salt water also enhances blood circulation and thereafter apply a vitamin C rich cream.

4)Wear breatheable  clothes –

Light fabrics like cotton should be used more and more . It helps our skin to breathe. Tight and synthetic clothes can cause itching and produce rashes.

5)Eating habits-

With the mercury rising higher and higher we often feel totally drained out . The power packed foods to be eaten in summers to stabilize our energy levels are as follows:

Curd is a delicious coolant. It can be had in various forms.Coconut water, lime water , cucumber , watermelon, mint , green veggies should be included to combat the decreasing energy levels. Mangoes and lichis in limited amount is good for health.Onion provides protection against sunstroke.

Last but not the least you can have icecreams to combat the heat . To make it less sinful add some fresh fruits or dry fruits to the icecream so that you do not feel guilty after having it.

Happy summers …one and all….

by  Dr Suranjana Ghosh

EcoHabitat.times@gmail.com