jackie-o
Jackie-O style shades
The summer heat can rob your eyes of moisture and lubrication leading to red, itchy, dry eyes. Moreover, research shows that long-term exposure to the sunlight can lead to age-related macular degeneration as well as cataracts. Experts recommend protecting your eyes against the harsh UV rays. Broad-rimmed shades are your best bet as they provide maximum coverage (also helping arrest the dark circles around your eyes). Invest in a pair that offers over 95 percent UV protection. Remember, a dark lens has nothing to do with the effectiveness of the shades. "Those who wear glasses can invest in photochromatic lenses that block UV rays. Check with the vendor which ones offer the best protection," says Subhadeep Chakrabarty, optometrist at Rolex Opticals, Kolkata. Transitions, for example, claim to block 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays. "If your eyes still feel dry, OTC lubricant drops (Refresh Tears, Tears Naturale) can provide relief. Contact lens users can use preservative-free lubricant drops even with lenses on," says Prevention advisor, Dr Sanjay Dhawan, director, Ophthalmology, Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon.
Water
Clearly your best friend for summer, drinking plenty of water (at least 10 to 12 glasses, more if you sweat profusely or spend time outdoors) is the number one way to prevent heat exhaustion and cramps. "Drink up before you step out and drink again after you reach your destination. It's a good idea to carry a bottle of water with you," says Dr MP Sharma, HOD, department of gastroenterology and endoscopy, Rockland Hospital, New Delhi. Since you also lose some essential minerals with your sweat, it may be a good idea to sip on a tender coconut or have lemonade during the day to replenish them. "Drink half a litre of water before you workout, sip 250-300 ml every 20 minutes during your session and about half a litre post workout," advises Mumbai-based Prevention advisor and Reebok master trainer Vinata Shetty. "One good way to tell if you are well hydrated: you pass clear urine every few hours," says Dr Sandeep Budhiraja, director, Max Institute of Internal Medicine, New Delhi.
Seasonal Fruits
Nature has a way of supplying what your body needs- and consuming seasonal, fresh and local foods is a good way of ensuring that. "Most summer fruits have high water content: watermelon, for instance, is over 90 percent water by weight. Other fruits from the melon family (musk melon, honeydew melon and cantaloupe) as well as litchi are super thirst quenchers too," says nutritionist Sheela Krishnaswamy from Bengaluru. Raw mango (in salad or bhel or as panna) is known to prevent heatstroke and help with digestive disorders. It's beneficial in its ripe form too. "They have healthy sugar in complex form-so it's not fattening," says Krishnaswamy. Just be sure that the fruits are not artificially ripened. "The pulp of a naturally-ripened mango is evenly ripe and sweet. Discard the fruit if the sweetness lies just below the skin while the area around the skin is hard, white and sour," says Claude Alvares, Goa based organic food expert. In case of watermelon, pick one which is medium-sized, and has a yellow spot at the bottom. To keep safe from pesticides, wash fruits properly under running water.
Cotton Clothes
We all read this in school but no harm reiterating it. Synthetic garments stink: they trap sweat leading to prickly heat and BO. Loose cotton clothes allow air circulation. "Opt for lighter shades especially during the day as these reflect the sunlight instead of absorbing it, making you feel cooler," says Sharma. Opt for gym wear in moisture-wicking fabrics for your workout.
Antiperspirant DEO
Regular deos just temporarily mask your BO-they don't stop your body from releasing sweat. Antiperspirant deos plug your sweat glands, stopping you from excreting sweat- in turn thwarting the smell-producing bacteria that thrive on it. "Spray or dab some in the underarm area and on your feet to reduce stink," says Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Apratim Goel. Also, bathe twice a day and mop away the moisture to feel and smell fresh. Additionally, slather a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 about half an hour before stepping out. Re-apply every 3 to 4 hours," adds Goel. (see Everything you Ever Wanted to Know about Sun Safety)
Natural Mosquito Repellents
Mosquitoes don't just give you sleepless nights. They can transmit parasites causing malaria, dengue and chikungunya. Because no matter how hard you try, they find a way of sneaking in, you need repellents to keep them away from you. Chemical-based mosquito repellents come with hazards. "They can trigger asthmatic and allergy attack in patients, aggravate bronchitis, lead to chronic cough, cause irritation in the throat," says Dr Tanvir Reza, consultant pulmonologist at Kolkata's Columbia Asia Hospital. Natural fixes are a better alternative. Try Nomos available at www.vedicbiosource.com. These 100 percent natural, non-toxic repellents are available in three varieties: diffuser, room spray and sports spray (when you are outdoors). You could also try Kawach-mosquito repellent patches that are also natural and safe. "Using lemongrass essential oil in a diffuser is a good bet too. The scent of lemongrass is known to repel mosquitoes," says Suparna Trikha, a natural beauty expert from Delhi. She also recommends dabbing white vinegar with cotton on mosquito bites to ease the itch. But sleeping in mosquito nets may be your best bet for peace and safety at bed time.
Source: Yahoo!
