The Indian subcontinent is blessed with variety of seasons and climatic conditions, however,
Indian summers are dry and sweltering. The temperature rises quite high and the country heats up like a fireball, and can melt tar roads. Earlier hill stations used to provide some respite from heat, but now climate change has led to increased temperature at hill stations during daytime. Ziqitza explains that though the temperature drops at hill stations during the evening, the scorching heat of the day drains you completely. The Indian summers have got a bad reputation for being a party spoiler for the travelers. The unbearable heat can completely knock you off your game!
Ziqitza Healthcare stresses that tourism declines during the summer season as the footfall decreases due to scorching heat. This also means that it is an opportune time for the bravehearts to challenge the heat and explore destinations or travel quieter and easier. Whether you are a tourist or just travelling locally, Dr. Santosh Datar – Medical Director Ziqitza Healthcare Limited, lists down a few things that you should have on you or carry at all times.
- Carry enough water: The taste of water in India changes every few kilometers. While this is interesting and true, it might not necessarily be healthy. Ziqitza Rajasthan suggests that one should always carry water bottles with them during the summers. Easy access to water can be a life savior during the summer days. Tourists must carry mineral water bottles with them. These bottles are available everywhere these days, except for some remote areas.
- Oral rehydration solution sachets: While we are at it, one must always carry glucose or any other oral rehydration sachets with them during the summer days. The melting heat can easily cause dehydration by sucking up all the water from the body. Dr. Santosh Datar from ZHL Rajasthan advises that one must always carry glucose or rehydration sachets with them, because water is not enough!
- Carry wet tissues: Summers can lead to sweaty and oily skin which could further result in other unwarranted facial issues. While travelling you can’t be sure about the quality of water to wash your face, and using drinking water is not a good idea. Therefore, it is advised that you carry wet tissue packs with you. The cooling agents in the tissue will leave your face sparkling and refreshing.
- Use a Hat or an umbrella: Dr. Santosh Datar from Ziqitza Limited, advises that while stepping out in the sun, one should either always carry an umbrella or wear a hat to avoid heatstroke. Exposure to direct sunlight could cause heatstroke, dehydration etc.
- Wear Sunglasses: Sun’s UV rays are particularly ruthless during the summer season. Therefore, it is advised to wear sunglasses while stepping outside. Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the heat and also from the harmful UV rays.
- Wear cotton clothes: Ziqitza Limited Rajasthan states that cotton clothes are your ultimate best friend during summers. Not only is fabric cool but is also super absorbent.
- Carry Medicines: The summer heat and sun can play havoc on your health. If you’re travelling and use medication for your underlying ailments, it is advised that you carry such medicines with you always. In case you do not take any medications, but are travelling during the summers, you’re advised to consult a doctor and carry precautionary medicines with you, which could help you fight the ill effects of exposure to summer heat.
- Keep emergency contact number handy: When travelling to an unknown destination and too in sweltering heat, one must expect the unexpected. The heat induced inconvenience ailments such as low blood pressure, high blood pressure, nausea, disorientation, etc. can spoil your vacation. Always keep emergency contact numbers handy in case you fall sick.
- Hand Sanitizer: Ziqitza Health care limited stresses that if there is one thing that Covid-19 has taught us, it is the importance of hand hygiene. While travelling during summers carry hand sanitizer’s to keep your hands clean. Soaps are not exactly hygienic for they are used by multiple people.
- Apply and carry sunscreen: The sun can easily burn the exposed skin of our body. A handy sunscreen lotion can provide long-time protection from the sun. If you’re unable to carry one, ensure that you are wearing long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts to protect your arms from the sunlight and sunburn.