If you are a UAE resident, you will know that summertime is not all about beaches, sunglasses and ice creams in the UAE. The summers can go from bad to worse due to the coastal nature of the country.
Along with the scorching heat, UAE residents are also prone to various summer-related health conditions. Heartburn, sun strokes, measles, and skin infections are some of the common health problems during the season.
A proper diet and necessary precautions can go a long way in keeping these health problems at bay. In case you are afflicted with any of these conditions, you must treat them with the utmost care.
So, we dug around a little to help you beat the summer heat and put together a list of the best advice we got from some of the most reliable medical experts in the UAE. Take a look:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Dehydration is a common problem during summer. Dizziness, skin irritations, muscle cramps and urinary infections during summer can be indications of dehydration.
Drink plenty of water to maintain body fluid levels, and make sure you have water handy whenever you step out. Set reminders to have a water break and always stay hydrated before, during and after your exercise routine. Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake to lower the risk of dehydration.
Stick to Homely Food
Nothing is better than home-cooked meals in summer. Avoid food takeaways and deliveries to prevent food poisoning.
Rapid bacterial growth in summer causes food items to spoil faster, and it is better to avoid hotel foods and other fast food forms. Make sure you never leave food items out for more than two hours.
Change Your Diet
Adopt a summer-friendly lifestyle by adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Consuming food rich in water content can make your summer hydrated and healthy.
In case of doubts regarding your diet plan, feel free to consult with your dietitian before you make a radical lifestyle change.
This one may sound less summer-y, but switching your snow cone with spicy wings can help you beat summer. Evidence shows that spicy food can trigger sweating – the body’s natural mechanism to cool down. Staying hydrated with spicy food intake can aid you in cooling off.
Stay Indoors
Avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during peak hours (11 AM GST to 5 PM GST), as summers in UAE come with excessive sunlight, dust storms and heat.
Frequent exposure to sunlight can increase your risk of skin cancer, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat strokes can be extremely dangerous and require immediate medical attention. If you feel tired, take a break and evade exposure to direct sunlight.
Most importantly, DON’T forget your sunscreen! Make sure you wear sunscreen before stepping out into the sun and reapply every 2 hours.
Modify Your Wardrobe
Wear light-coloured and loose-fitting clothes made of natural and breathable materials such as cotton and linen. Clothes that cling to your body might cause rashes and other skin problems.
Summing Up
There are many ways to avoid summer-related health problems. Always opt for an expert opinion before adopting suitable preventive measures. NMC Healthcare is known for its compassionate and personalised healthcare services, and its experienced faculty makes them stand out from the rest of the hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
As NMC Healthcare Company’s digital marketing manager since 2012, I direct all phases of both the contextual and technical elements of marketing initiatives.