Syamasis Bandyopadhyay of Apollo Hospitals tells you how to stay safe in the heat

Students have been among the worst hit by the scorching weather. Many schools have shifted to online classes or tweaked class hours and the West Bengal government has advised all educational institutions to declare an early summer vacation to ensure relief for students but board examinees will continue to bear the brunt of the heatwave.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on April 27 that many students were falling ill because of the heat.

Edugraph spoke to Syamasis Bandyopadhyay, senior consultant, general medicine, Apollo Multispecialty Hospitals, Kolkata, for some advice on how students can protect themselves from the sweltering sun and how to take care of themselves in case of a heat stroke.

How to beat the heat

• Avoid direct sunlight from falling on your skin. Direct sunlight raises body temperature and damages the skin as well. If you are walking on the street, try to use the side of the pavement so that you can remain in shade.
• Be mindful of the clothes you wear. Use clothes that cover your body. Full sleeves and high necks protect your skin from the sun. Wear cotton clothes, rather than synthetic or polyester ones. Try to wear light colours as they reflect heat, unlike dark colours that absorb heat.
• Use hats and umbrellas to keep the sunlight away. Using a hat or an umbrella may not be fashionable but it is necessary to remain healthy.
• Remain hydrated at all times. Carry water with you and drink plenty of it. There is no fixed daily intake of water that suits all bodies. Factors like age, height, weight and activity levels determine how much water a person needs. But at least two litres of water a day is must.
• If you sweat a lot, then drink Electral water to stay hydrated and give your body some salt so that you do not feel tired.
• Be humble with your gastronomical endeavours to remain healthy in the heat. Avoid eating fatty fried food that dehydrates the body even more. Avoid a high protein and high spice diet. Eating fish is fine. Eat as many fruits and vegetables as you can.

What to do in case of heatstroke/sunstroke?

• Move the affected person away from direct sunlight to a shaded area.
• Pour water on the person to help in quick cooling.
• Fan the person, if possible. Water evaporating from the body takes away the latent heat, helping the body cool down quicker.
• If unresponsive, rush the person to a hospital without delay.