Super El Nino and Your Health
Noticed the weather change this year? News all over says it the Super El Nino, which means that when the temperatures rises, rainfall patterns change, or extreme weather events become more common. This phenomenon occurs all across the world.
What does this mean for us? These weather changes affect our overall health big time!
When temperatures stay unusually high, humidity increases, and weather becomes unpredictable, our bodies have to work harder to stay healthy. Children, older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers can be especially vulnerable.
Hotter days, poor air quality, changing rainfall patterns, and an increase in the spread of infections can all have an impact on health.
As a Health partner, Namaste Health helps you navigate through this change in following advice:
- 1. Don’t wait up till you feel thirsty.
One of the biggest health risks is dehydration. By the time you actually feel thirsty your reserves have already been depleted.
You may not know you are dehydrated till you feel dizzy, tired, fatigued, headache, irritable and weak.
Best way to combat is keep sipping on water throughout the day even if you are indoors. Have water or ORS or Home made Shikanji. Avoid sweetened drinks.
- 2. Protect yourself from heat exhaustion
Your body needs to work up to keep up with the rising temperatures. Excessive sweating, nausea, muscle cramps, dizziness and fatigue are your warning signs.
Ensure you are in cool shade, sip on fluids and rest till you feel better.
- 3. Protect the vulnerable – children and elderly
Avoid direct sunlight, stay in shades and properly ventilated areas, wear light cotton clothes, stay hydrated.
- 4. Be aware of the air quality you breathe.
- Hot weather can trigger or worsen respiratory illnesses especially in cases of Chronic lung disease, asthma and allergies.
- Reach for help if any persistent cough, wheezing and shortness of breath occur.
- Avoid outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality.
- 5. Monsoon related illnesses
- Changes in rainfall patterns create excellent breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Using mosquito repellents, sleeping under a mosquito net, ensuring there is no stagnant water in flower pots or uncovered vessels of water and fully covered clothes can reduce the risk of dengue, malaria and chikungunya to a great extent.
Using mosquito repellents, sleeping under a mosquito net, ensuring there is no stagnant water in flower pots or uncovered vessels of water and fully covered clothes can reduce the risk of dengue, malaria and chikungunya to a great extent.
- 6. Monsoon related illnesses
- Monsoon also brings a variety of water borne diseases like diarrhoea, typhoid, etc due to water contamination.
- The intense heat wave can cause food kept outside for long periods to spoil.
- If you are ordering food from outside, make sure that u order from a reputed place or a place which is busy and hygienic. This is especially true if you are ordering Non Veg food.
- Avoid eating fried food as they are likely to upset the gastric system more in presence of Heat.
- Eat freshly prepared meals, preferably homemade.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
- If any food or fruits look questionable look or smell wise, discard it. When in doubt, better to discard.
- 7. People with Chronic or pre-existing illness:
People with chronic illness like diabetes, Kidney disease, heart disease, High blood pressure and other respiratory illness should monitor their health and take prescribed medications as advised
- 8. Take care of your mental health
Extreme heat can bring about irritability, fatigue, poor concentration and in turn frustration.
Make time for Adequate rest, sleep, light exercise or walks, pursuing hobbies and social interaction, this can go a big way.
- 8. Take care of your mental health
Reach out for medical aid or advice in cases of Persistent fever, dehydration, giddiness, extreme fatigue, difficulty in breathing, weakness without reason, persistent nausea, vomiting, loose motions.
If you are feeling unwell, experiencing heat-related symptoms, or unsure of what you are going through, call on the Namaste Health Instant Doctor connect though the mobile application (24 x 7) who can give you Prescription or advice in the comfort of your home, assist you with the nearest appropriate hospital in case you need one.
Remember, when health concerns arise, getting professional advice should be quick, simple, and reassuring. That is what Namaste Health is all about!
Remember, when health concerns arise, getting professional advice should be quick, simple, and reassuring. That is what Namaste Health is all about!
