Kolkata almost touched 40 degrees Celsius last Sunday…and to add to that was the humidity factor at 89%! The met office has predicted continuing inclement weather with no sign of relief over the next 3 days. This gives us home health caregivers a lot to worry about considering the effect this dry and hot spell will have on our elderly members. To ensure that they can survive this summer heat with minimal discomfort, we have put together some very basic but extremely helpful tips. If you are a family caregiver for your elderly parent, or grandparent, do read on – it could save you the hassle of needing to run to a doctor!
Hydrate, Hydrate, hydrate: Not enough can be said about the healing properties of H2O. Other than kidney disease patients who are on fluid restriction, everyone else should increase their daily water intake by 30 to 50% during heat spells to make up for the water loss due to sweating. Those with fluid restrictions should ideally stay in a temperature-controlled environment to minimise fluid loss through sweating.
Salt Our Summers: Yes. The ubiquitous salt shaker can actually save lives. Principally, many of our body’s signals are transmitted through the simple sodium ion, a key ingredient of salt. In its absence, the body is unable to complete its basic processes and this can lead to major setbacks such as disorientation, unconsciousness and shock. So, extra salt, especially rock salt or Himalayan salt which has other important minerals should be taken along with water to make up for its loss during dry spells. Be sure to monitor the BP of individuals who suffer from hypertension though. Too much of a good thing could be bad.
Cotton on: All that sweat with salt in it is going to irritate the skin and invite various kinds of fungi to colonise on the body’s warm and moist areas and creases. Wearing a fabric that does not wick up the moisture and does not dry easily is only going to compound the problem. Loose fitting Hawaiian shirts and cotton or linen trousers are the only way to go. Light colours such as whites and pastels reflect light and prevent heat retention. Our seniors in various regions of the country did wear summer friendly attire regularly such as a Dhoti or a Lungi but these can hardly be seen anymore. Time to go retro?
Shun the Sun: No. The plan for making lots of Vitamin D by being out in the Sun is a total failure in the Indian subcontinent according to the doctors and scientists. Indians are low on Vitamin D despite the Sun exposure. So, why opt for the risk of skin cancer, heat stroke, dehydration, exhaustion et al? Avoid being outside in direct Sunlight from 11 AM to 4 PM. Also, using a Sunscreen of SPF 30 or more is essential not just for the skin conscious but for everyone, to prevent warts and sunburns. Umbrellas, Sunglasses, scarves and hats help protect from UV rays too.
Eat light, eat right: Maybe salads are not everybody’s go to meal but small frequent non oily meals with more liquids can help the gut cope with the effects of heat. Probiotic ingredients such as yogurt, buttermilk etc can help with digestion. Fibre and antioxidants from fruits add to gut health. So, its good to have whole fruits (not just juices) with a bit of an eye on the glycaemic index for the diabetics.
Be far from the madding crowd: Covid has taught us a lot about physical distancing but crowds can be dangerous in many other circumstances – especially during summers. Its important to ensure enough ventilation and access to fluids for everyone and that gets badly compromised in crowded areas. Those in the extremes of age such as infants and the older elderly have very little body reserves to deal with extreme weather conditions and they need to therefore avoid such at all costs. Being indoors in good company with tall iced teas, and great music is what the doctor’s orders are.
If you can manage to follow the above six recommendations, its likely to make your summer activities that much safer and more enjoyable, more so for your senior family members. However, in case, things still go wrong, you can count on us to be there by your side to revive and restore, support and prevent. We are just one call away. Take care and stay well. Till next time.
Dr. Soma Bhattacharjee