Ways to prevent heat stroke
Some people keep onions in their pockets to save themselves from the scorching heat and heat wave. People believe that onion actually absorbs heat. Many other such methods are tried in India to reduce the terror of heat. Do you also believe in keeping onions in your pocket to avoid heatstroke? In fact, severe heat and heat wave continues to wreak havoc in most parts of the country including North India. Due to heat the body sweats. Therefore, it is advised to drink maximum amount of water.
Now the question is whether we can save ourselves from the havoc of heat wave by keeping onion in our pocket or beside us. Or is this just a myth? In this article, we are going to tell you through experts whether doing this is right or wrong.
What do experts say
Dr. Narendra Kumar Singla (Principal Consultant – Internal Medicine, Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi) Keeping onion in the pocket protects from heat stroke, this is an old grandmother’s belief, but there is no solid scientific basis for it. Onion contains antioxidants and some beneficial elements, which when eaten can benefit the body, but just keeping it in the pocket does not help in cooling the body or protecting it from heatstroke.
What happens when you get heat stroke?
Doctor Narendra Kumar says that heatstroke occurs when the body temperature increases too much and there is a deficiency of water and salt (electrolyte). In such a situation, the system of controlling body temperature does not function properly. If the temperature in any area is more than 40 degrees and hot wind is blowing here, then it is called heat wave.
What to do to avoid heat stroke
Experts say that the right way to avoid heat stroke is to drink plenty of water in summer, cover your head while going out in the sun, wear light and loose clothes and avoid strong sunlight. Drinks like lemonade, buttermilk and ORS help in fulfilling the deficiency of water and essential salts in the body. Including onion in the diet can be beneficial, but keeping it in your pocket does not protect you from heatstroke.
Therefore, instead of completely relying on such home remedies, it is safer to adopt scientific and correct methods. If anyone sees symptoms like dizziness, weakness or high fever, then immediately take them to a cool place, give them water and consult a doctor if necessary.
If you are sending children to school during the scorching summer season, then definitely keep such things in their bags which keep the body hydrated. Prevent children from playing outside from 12 to 4 pm. During this time the heat is very high and chances of getting heatstroke are high.
