5 Ways To Protect Yourself From The Heatwave In Karachi

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Mahira Khan heatwave in Karachi

As the sub-continent gets hit by a massive heatwave, in Pakistan, Karachi seems to be in trouble the most right now.

Earlier this week, it was reported that over 60 people in Karachi had lost their lives because of heatstroke. However, the city authorities have denied these claims, making us dearly wish that they are being honest and precious lives have, in fact, not been lost.

Read: 3 Things You Must Do To Protect Yourself From Pakistan’s Hot Weather!

Nevertheless, the temperature is hitting close to 40 degrees in most Pakistani cities right now and so, we need to be very careful in our daily routine to keep stay safe.

Here are 5 tips to counter the heatwave in Karachi and stay healthy through these harsh Summers.

Stay Hydrated – DUH!

girl-drinking-water

Keeping our bodies hydrated at all times is the perfect guard against the hot and humid weather prevalent in Karachi.

When it comes to hydrating the human body, it is recommended to rely on plain water and avoid sugary drinks. At the same time, lemonade and fresh fruit juices are an excellent choice to keep the minerals and energy of the body balanced.

Read: Iftar In Pakistan Is Impossible Without These 5 Items!

We should avoid carbonated soft drinks as they actually dehydrate the body and can be very dangerous for people who are already struggling against an intimidating heatwave.

Eat Hydrating Foods
Cucumber
Source: Natural Food Series

The best way to keep your body temperature low and to protect yourself from getting dehydrated is by eating vegetables and fruits that keep our bodies cool and hydrated.

Read: Say NO to Junk Food!

Some of the best body hydrating food items are water melon, coconut water, grapefruits, cucumber, carrots, tomatoes, broccoli and radishes. Increase the amount of these items in your lunch (or sehri, since it’s Ramazan) and dinner to stay protected while the heat wave lasts.

Avoid Direct Sun

Mahira Khan Sun

If it isn’t absolutely necessary then avoid going to out in the sun between 10:00 a.m. till 4:00 p.m.

It is quite understandable that most of the travel (including our journey to and from school/work) has to be done during daytime. However, this does not mean that we can’t minimize our exposure to the sun. For instance, if you are a pedestrian then try to find a route having shade and shadow; if driving or travelling by a vehicle  keep the AC turned on.

Read: Study Hacks Every Student Preparing For Exams Should Know About

Also, before getting off an air-conditioned vehicle or leaving a building, try to adjust your body with the changing temperature; let your body warm up a little. Massive shift in temperature isn’t good for the human body and may result in immediate headache or fever or in the worst case scenario in a heat stroke.

Avoid Tight Fitted and Thick Clothing

Choori pajama by Mohsanya Khan

Wearing clothes that fit too tight or wearing multi-layered clothing could result in a heatstroke. The body needs to cool down to resist against the heat and tight clothes stop the body heat from evaporating.

Choose your clothes wisely in this weather and avoid wearing skin tights especially in the day time.

Monitor Your Medical Condition

Maya Ali Coke Ad

If you are taking any sort of medicine on a daily basis then carefully read and understand the side effects of your medicine. People don’t know and don’t realize that some medicines increase the body heat and could result in making one suffer from a heatstroke.

Always rush to the nearest medical facility in case you feel headaches, nausea, fatigue, body pain etc. to avoid any critical heat related problem.

The heatwave in Karachi has us worried for you! Stay safe people!