⭐️ What Is Heat Wave
A heat wave is a period of time in which the temperatures are higher than normal for that region at that time of year.
A prolonged period can be days, or weeks - of unusually hot weather. Heatwaves can vary in duration and intensity, but to qualify, temperatures have to exceed the average historical temperatures for a given area at that time of year.
⭐️ Heatwaves can cause droughts, which can lead to wildfires and crop failures, as well as affect energy production. Extreme heat can also damage infrastructure and have serious effect on people’s health and wellbeing, even leading to death.
⭐️ What might be considered normal temperatures in tropical or warmer regions can be considered a heat wave in areas which normally doesn’t experience that type of heat. High humidity is often associated with a heat wave, though not a requirement.
⭐️ What causes heat waves to occur
⭐️ When high pressure from aloft 10,000-25,000ft remains strong over an area for several days to weeks, heat waves occur. This happens during the summer as the jet stream follows the path of the sun. On the equator side of the jet stream, high pressure builds up in the middle layers of the atmosphere.
⭐️ Because summertime weather patterns tend to be slower than wintertime patterns, the mid-level pressure also moves very slowly. The air sinks towards the surface under high pressure and then acts as a cap holding in the hot air. Because the air cannot lift, cumulus clouds are less likely to form, making rain unlikely. The build up of heat on the surface then becomes a heat wave.
⭐️ Heat Wave Effect On Health
⭐️ Heatstroke
⭐️ Heatstroke is the most serious form of heat-related illness and is a medical emergency. If you suspect that someone has heatstroke - which some people refer to as sunstroke - you should call for medical help immediately.
⭐️ Heatstroke can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs. Although heatstroke is most common in babies, the elderly and those with long-term medical conditions, it also takes a toll on healthy young physically active people such as athletes.
⭐️ Heatstroke often occurs as a progression from milder heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat syncope (fainting) and heat exhaustion. However, it can strike even if you have no previous signs of heat injury.
⭐️ Heatstroke results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures - usually in combination with dehydration - which leads to failure of the body's temperature control system. The medical definition of heatstroke is a core body temperature greater than 41°C, with complications involving the central nervous system that occur after exposure to high temperatures. Other common symptoms include nausea, rapid heartbeat, muscle cramps, seizures, confusion, disorientation, cessation of heavy sweating and sometimes loss of consciousness or coma.
⭐️ Risk factors for heatstroke
⭐️ Heatstroke is most likely to affect older people who live in flats or homes lacking good airflow and with inadequately shaded south-facing windows.
⭐️ The risk of heat-related illness dramatically increases when the heat index climbs to 26°C or more. So it's important - especially during heatwaves - to pay attention to the maximum temperature reported in your local weather forecasts and to remember that it will be hotter in the sun than in the shade.
⭐️ If you live in an urban area, you may be especially prone to develop heatstroke during a prolonged heatwave, particularly if there are stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. In what is known as the "heat island effect," asphalt and concrete store heat during the day and only gradually release it at night, resulting in higher night-time temperatures.
⭐️ Who is most at risk?
⭐️ A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable
people in extreme heat are.
⭐️ older people, especially those over 50
⭐️ babies and young children
⭐️ people with a serious chronic condition, especially heart or breathing problems
⭐️ people with mobility problems – for example, people with
⭐️ Parkinson's disease or who have had a stroke
⭐️vpeople with serious mental health problems
⭐️vpeople on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and temperature control
⭐️ people who misuse alcohol or drugs
⭐️ people who are physically active – for example, labourers or those
⭐️ As the body temperature increases very rapidly, the central nervous system and circulatory system are impacted.
⭐️ In places where there have been prolonged heat exposures, there is probably a broad impact on many organ systems.
⭐️ People of all ages can suffer the effects of a heat wave, but the ill, very young, elderly, or overweight tend to be affected more severely. Even though warnings and advisories are given, people often don’t follow the guidelines in areas as basic as drinking a lot of water. When the human body sweats in large amounts, salt and other minerals are lost which have to be replaced.
⭐️ The systems in the human body that enable it to adapt to heat become overwhelmed. When a person is exposed to heat for a very long time, the first thing that shuts down is the ability to sweat. We know that when perspiration is dried by the air there is a cooling effect on the body. Once a person stops perspiring, in very short order a person can move from heat exhaustion to heat stroke.
⭐️ It begins with perspiring profusely, and when that shuts down, the body becomes very hot. Eventually that begins to affect the brain, and that's when people begin to get confused and can lose consciousness.
⭐️ Heat exhaustion, which shows itself in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, headache, nausea, etc. can lead to dehydration if not taken care of right away. Generally a patient must have their fluids replenished along with salt. Rest is needed and patients are advised to stay out of the heat. Heat stroke can be fatal if not treated immediately.
⭐️ Heat rash, heat cramps and heat syncope are other results of heat waves. Of all the natural phenomena, heat waves are considered one of the most fatal. Deaths related to heat are often hard to count because it affects those already run down, elderly, or sick.
⭐️ Those who can’t afford air conditioning or other cooling devices are more likely to suffer. Psychological damage should not be underestimated violence often increases during these periods of time.
⭐️ If a heat wave continues for a longer period, crops and forests can become very dry making it possible for forest or brush fires to start and spread. Without rain, these fires can sometimes rage for days, causing loss to crops and livelihoods as well as homes and properties. Roads can also be affected by prolonged periods of heat as they buckle. Water or electricity lines can crack, leading to secondary problems such as water shortages, fires, and power outages.
⭐️ Heat waves happen all over the globe, with serious heat waves occurring yearly in some area of the world.
⭐️Third world countries ie Pakistan suffer especially the poor as they are unable to cultivate crops, find clean water, or get proper medical attention plus shortage of electricity.
⭐️ How To Save Yourself From Heat Wave
⭐️ Stay well hydrated.
⭐️ lot of the health problems that can develop during a heat wave are associated with dehydration, so it’s crucial to make sure you drink plenty of water or a sports drink with electrolytes. Even if you don't feel thirsty, keep taking regular sips. Avoid drinks with a lot of caffeine such as coffee and tea etc.
⭐️ When it is very hot outside, it's recommended that you drink about 4 cups of water per hour. Don't gulp this all at once, though, or you may experience some discomfort.
⭐️ (There are some instances when you should consult a doctor before increasing the amount of liquids you drink)
If you have epilepsy, or heart, liver, or kidney disease.
If you are on a fluid-restricted diet or have a problem with fluid retention.
⭐️ Eat appropriately.
⭐️ It’s important to make sure you keep eating, but you should adapt your eating habits to the temperature. Eating is an effective method to control your body temperature. Eat well-balanced and light meals regularly, rather than two or three enormous plates of food.Large meals take more work to digest which will cause your body temperature to increase.
⭐️ Foods that are rich in protein, such as meats and nuts, will increase metabolic heat.
⭐️ Fresh fruit, salads, healthy snacks, and vegetables are good choices.
⭐️ If you're sweating a lot, replace lost salts and minerals as well as water. A handful of salted nuts or pretzels can be a good choice, or drink a sports beverage containing electrolytes or fruit juice.
⭐️ Don’t take salt tablets unless directed to by your doctor.
⭐️ Stay indoors and stay cool.
⭐️ Keeping out of the sun is the best way to reduce your exposure to the heat. You should identify the coolest room in your house and try to spend as much time there as you can. If your house has more than one story, or you live in a multi-story building, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.
⭐️ Taking cool showers and splashing yourself with cool water is excellent way to lower your body temperature.
⭐️ Use the (250W Energy Saver New Tech) air-con you will really feel the benefit. If not, you might consider spending the warmest part of the day (or even night) in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theatres, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Many of these are specially opened by public authorities during a heat wave, so check for extended hours.
⭐️ If you don’t have (Energy Saver 250W New Tech ) air-con even a fan air will help to circulate the air a little. (please don't use high power air-con let poor people use fans, govt must ban high power air-cons to aviod loadshaiding)
⭐️ Dress appropriately for the heat.
⭐️ Indoors and out, it is important to remove any heavy clothing and to wear as little as modesty and laws permit. Wear loose-fitting, light weight, and lightly colored clothing. Natural fabrics such as sitara lawn, linen, cotton are good choices. Avoid wearing polyester and flannel, as these fabrics will hold in sweat, causing you to stew in the humid air.
⭐️ If you go outside be sure to use at least a 30 SPF sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Protect your head and face with a ventilated, wide-brimmed hat. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
⭐️ Consider wearing clothing made of synthetic sports fabrics that are designed to wick away perspiration.
⭐️ Avoid dark colors, as these absorb the heat.
⭐️ Wear long-sleeved, lightweight clothing when you will be outside to protect yourself from the sun.
⭐️ Don’t overly exert yourself. Avoid strenuous work or exercise as much as possible. This is especially important during the warmest part of the day If you do have to work outside, use a buddy system so you are not alone. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.Pay close attention to how you feel.
⭐️ If your heart is pounding and you're short of breath, stop immediately. Go into a cool environment to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
⭐️ Do not push yourself if you feel like you're becoming overheated. If the heat index is greater than 40C Cask about rescheduling nonessential activities for a time when it is not so hot.
❤️ Here are summer foods and drinks which will keep you thanda thanda cool cool in this very hot weather.
❤️ Grewia asiatica or phalsa is a tropical berry native of Pakistan Indis and South Asia. Mainly grown for the fruit the other parts of the shrub like bark and leaves, roots too have medicinal benefits. The fruit is full of iron, vitamin A, C, B1,2,3, calcium and dietary fiber. The fruit has loads of health benefits and is as cooling properties that help keep body temperature down. It helps prevent heat strokes. It offers radiation protection and the seeds contain palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids. Chewing the seed along with the flesh helps in air growth too. The peel of the berry has antioxidant properties. *(Freash Falsa Drink)
❤️ Watermelon
The juicy watermelon is a rich source of Vitamin A and C. It does a great job of replenishing lost fluids for the body during summer. A glass of watermelon juice or 5-6 pieces of the fruit is recommended after lunch and dinner.
❤️ Cucumber
The phrase ‘cool as a cucumber’ explains it all. Cucumber or kakdi (as it is locally known) is high on water content and is extremely helpful to beat the sizzling summer heat.
❤️ Oranges
The citrus fruits will always keep you hydrated during the hot weather.
❤️ Yogurt
This probiotic not only keeps gastrointestinal problems at bay, but also keeps the digestive system in check during summer.
❤️ Green Beans
The succulent green beans are a great source of Omega-3 fats. They are also rich in fiber and can control cardiovascular diseases.
❤️ Bell Pepper
Bell Pepper ensures beautiful skin during the scathing weather as it contains Vitamin C which builds collagen.
❤️ Berries
Be it strawberries or blueberries, you ought to have a handful of them with a bowl of yogurt during the summers.
❤️ Tomatos
Red, juicy tomatoes are a powerhouse of Vitamin C and K, which are the essential vitamins needed to combat the summer heat.
❤️ Amla (Gooseberry)
Don't go by its bitter taste, as amla has sweet benefits for your body. Rich with Vitamin C, amlas can be a great help to combat the harsh summer sun.
❤️ Corn
Pack boiled corn as snacks as it can provide Vitamin B to lower the summer stress.
❤️ Coconut Water
The more you consume nariyal pani , the less you will have summer problems.
❤️ Bananas
Bananas have a cooling effect on your stomach, and is therefore recommended a piece after lunch and dinner.
❤️ Mushrooms
Mushrooms contain zero cholesterol and are low on carbs, thus keeping you weight in check during the summer.
❤️ Mint
The pudina leaves act as a great skin cleanser. It can also keep acidity at bay.
❤️ Lemons
All you need is a glass of good old nimbupaani to quench the summer thirst.
❤️ Papaya
The high Vitamin E content in Papaya helps in delaying the ageing. It’s anti-ageing element makes it important to be included in this list.
❤️ Green Tea
This summer, ditch the caffeine, and go for green tea to experience a great change in terms of body weight and health. Green tea is extremely beneficial for weight loss, diabetes and blood pressure.
❤️ Chaas (Buttermilk)
Chaas or buttermilk is widely preferred in India to cool off after a heavy meal.
❤️ Sugar Palm Fruit
The fruit of Sugar Palm tree is a summer season fruit. The transparent, watery fruit is high on water content, and is available cheap during summer.
❤️ Mangoes
The arrival of the king of fruits is the arrival of the true summer season. Have it in the form of a milkshake, lassi or an aampanna, nothing beats the heat like a mango!
❤️❤️ Phalsa Drink ❤️❤️
Ingredients:
Phalsa Berries (ripe) – 1/2 kg
Brown Sugar – 150 gms
(Quantity of Sugar depends on the sweetness of pulp exact or you can make it more cool by using sugarcane juice and little fresh lemon juice)
Pink Salt (Kaala Namak) – to taste
Water
Method :
Wash the ripe berries sprinkle a little table salt and leave them for half an hour,
Take just enough water to cover the berries and soak them overnight. (4-5 hours is also enough).
(I keep it in the refrigerator)
Once soaked mash the berries with finger will the stones are separated.
Remove the stones and give it one stir in the mixer to make the pulp smooth. (The peel of Phalsa has antioxidant properties so I prefer to use it. )
In 4 Cups of water dissolve the sugar.
Add Pink salt to the pulp and mix
Add the pulp to the sugar solution and stir till it blends properly.
(You can add beetroot slices or kokam syrup instead of sugar to make it sugar free yet sweet and tangy)
Add crushed ice or ice cubes and a few tender leaves of mint and serve chilled.