News on Sunday

The heat is back: How to survive summer

Types of Conjunctivitis

Following the heavy rains of the past few days, the warm weather is back with a revenge. With temperatures soaring, many people are suffering from heatstrokes as well as other complications. During the period of 25 to 31 January 2016, the country’s hospitals have registered 5,357 cases of acute respiratory infections including flu and cold. 

Dehydration

Dehydration is very much common during summer. As advised by the doctor, it is very important to drink sufficient water, as we are bound to lose some fluid through sweating. “So drinking adequate water is the first thing you need to keep in mind in order to stay away from dehydration. Some experts suggest drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day. On average men need 3.7 litres of fluids per day, and women need 2.7 liters. All fluids count, including milk, juice, coffee, tea, and even water-rich foods. Thirst and urine colour might be better guidelines for staying hydrated. But remember fluid requirement varies from person to person depending on factors like height, weight, physical activity and the type of region you live in,” he says. Moreover, as explained by Dr Yogesh Soobhug, it is essential to avoid diuretics. “Diuretics are substances or foods that increase the production of urine, which in turn results in loss of fluids from the body. Popular diuretics include caffeine containing beverages like coffee, cola and chocolate. Avoid spicy foods: Apart from giving you other health problems like acidity and heart burn, spicy food also contributes to loss of body fluids by increasing the internal body temperature. Eat food high in potassium: Dehydration doesn’t mean just loss of water. Along with water, your body loses a huge amount of electrolytes which you need to replenish. You need to eat potassium-rich foods including bananas, pineapples, sweet potatoes, coconut water and mangoes,” he avers. For the first week of February, the number of cases increased to 6,244. Over that same period, the number of cases of gastroenteritis recorded in the five regional hospitals as well as Souillac, Long Mountain and Mahebourg Hospitals totals 621 cases. The number of cases of conjunctivitis, including those at Moka Hospital, for the week of February is 615 cases and 567 cases from 25 January till 31 January 2016. Heat-related diseases can strike anyone, children or adults. Dr Yogesh Soobhug explains the different heat related diseases and what preventive measures to adopt.

Heat stroke

According to Dr Yogesh Soobhug, a heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. “This most serious form of heat injury, heatstroke can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher. Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Untreated heatstroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death,” he says. The symptoms include:
  • High body temperature. A body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke.
  • Altered mental state or behaviour. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke.
  • Alteration in sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel moist.
  • Nausea and vomiting. You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
  • Flushed skin. Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.
  • Rapid breathing. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow.
  • Racing heart rate. Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body.
  • Headache. Your head may throb.

Prevention

As stated by the doctor, heatstroke is predictable and preventable. He lists the following precautions:
  • Wear loosefitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won’t allow your body to cool properly.
  • Protect against sunburn. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself, so protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature. Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you take medications that can affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.
  • Never leave anyone in a parked car. This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 6.7 C) in 10 minutes. It’s not safe to leave a person in a parked car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in shade. When your car is parked, keep it locked to prevent a child from getting inside.
  • Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If you can’t avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, drink fluids and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening.
  • Get acclimated. Limit time spent working or exercising in heat until you’re conditioned to it. People who are not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illness. It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather.
  • Be cautious if you’re at increased risk. If you take medications or have a condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure there are medical services available in case of a heat emergency.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"10426","attributes":{"class":"media-image wp-image-18811 alignleft","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"250","height":"141","alt":"Sunburn"}}]]Sunburn

According to the doctor, during summer it is better to hold outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon and avoid direct exposure to sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. In order to avoid being victim of sunburn, he advises the public to hide in the shade or seek cool places to prevent the ill effects of too much sun exposure and use sunscreen, choose a product that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, with at least an SPF30. Apply it 30 minutes before actual sun exposure. Re-apply if exposure will be extended and do not forget the ears, nape areas and feet.

Conjunctivitis

Another heat related disease is conjunctivitis, an inflammation or infection. Symptoms include As means of prevention, the doctor suggests the following:
  • Don’t touch your eyes with your hands.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Use only clean towels and washcloths.
  • Don’t share towels or washcloths.
  • Change your pillowcases often.
  • Avoid swimming in a swimming pool.
  • Throw away your eye cosmetics, such as mascara.
  • Don’t share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items.
  • Use any antibiotics.

Nutrition

Nutritionist Divya Poorun reveals that in summer, it is crucial to avoid food that heat the body and eat much food that cools the body. “In summer, our body loses water in the form of sweating, so it is recommended to eat food rich in vitamin, Sodium, potassium and minerals. Another recommendation includes the drinking of 2L of water per day. Try to sip the water the whole day instead of drinking it at one go. Children should consume food for energy. Parents should try to avoid putting sauce in the lunch for children. Try to make the children eat as such fruits and vegetables possible,” she says. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"10428","attributes":{"class":"media-image aligncenter wp-image-18821 ","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"318","height":"139","alt":"foods"}}]]

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"10429","attributes":{"class":"media-image wp-image-18810 alignleft","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"293","height":"195","alt":"Gastroenteritis"}}]]Gastroenteritis

Dr Yogesh Soobhug reveals that the symptoms can vary depending on the cause of the illness, but the “classic” signs of stomach flu are a combination of diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Vomiting and fever may or may not occur, but diarrhea is almost always part of the picture. As means of prevention, he proposes the followings:
  • Get your child vaccinated. A vaccine against gastroenteritis caused by the rotavirus is available in some countries, including the United States. Given to children in the first year of life, the vaccine appears to be effective in preventing severe symptoms of this illness.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly. And make sure your children do, too. If your children are older, teach them to wash their hands, especially after using the toilet. It’s best to use warm water and soap and to rub hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds, remembering to wash around cuticles, beneath fingernails and in the creases of the hands. Then rinse thoroughly. Carry towelettes and hand sanitizer for times when soap and water aren’t available.
  • Use separate personal items around your home. Avoid sharing eating utensils, glasses and plates. Use separate towels in the bathroom.
  • Keep your distance. Avoid close contact with anyone who has the virus, if possible.
  • Disinfect hard surfaces. If someone in your home has viral gastroenteritis, disinfect hard surfaces, such as counters, faucets and doorknobs, with a mixture of two cups of bleach to one gallon of water.
  • Check out your child care center. Make sure the center has separate rooms for changing diapers and preparing or serving food. The room with the diaper-changing table should have a sink as well as a sanitary way to dispose of diapers.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"10430","attributes":{"class":"media-image wp-image-18809 alignleft","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"214","height":"195","alt":"Flu"}}]]Summer flu

Dr Yogesh Soobhug reveals that it is not necessary to get flu symptoms in winter only. “The fact is that your illness can come from over 200 different viruses that bring those first symptoms of a cold (sneezing, scratchy throat, and runny nose). The colds that we experience in the winter are caused by different viruses than the ones experienced in the warmer months of summer,” he adds. According to him, the symptoms include a sudden high fever, mild respiratory symptoms, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting. “As such there is no cure for a cold, but symptoms can be relieved by resting in bed, drinking plenty of fluids, taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) for a headache or fever! Gargling with warm salt water or using ice chips, throat sprays or lozenges for a sore throat! Using a decongestant or saline nasal spray for nasal symptoms! Avoid a/c, use of too much cold drinks that usually alter the flora of the throat,” he prescribes.
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