Summer is just around the corner and so is coronavirus (well according to the news at least). Coronavirus was officially named COVID- 19 by the World Health Organization recently. It is a large family of viruses that lead to illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). The novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has been identified in humans just a few weeks back. It is a highly contagious disease that is transmitted among people and animals. So, while summers are normally for going out to enjoy the warm summer breeze and getting funny tan lines, this summer we ought to be careful. Follow these few hacks this summers you will stay fresh and healthy, all summer long!
The more you travel, the more likely you are to interact with people and catch contagious diseases. Although it is believed that the bacterias and viruses don’t survive in the heat, it is better to be careful while traveling. Along with sunburns, bug bites, dehydration, and rapid weight fluctuations, this season we also got to be aware of the common cold. If you have a runny nose, sore throat, cough, high fever and difficulty in breathing for a long period and it doesn’t seem to reduce, it’s better to visit a doctor.
Summers can’t be shunned, but heat exhaustion can easily be avoided. Drink as much water as you can. If you are not motivated enough to choose plain water over sugar-packed soda, try infusing water with fresh ingredients. You can use mint, strawberry, cucumber, blueberry, lemon, and ginger for a gourmet twist. You can even brew some tulsi tea, lemongrass, green and black tea, strain it and refrigerate it. Keep sipping and stay hydrated this summers as fluids help the body to flush out toxins regularly.
Time to switch to loose outfits, lighter materials, and calmer shades to stay airy and cool. Cotton clothes are the best fit for the summers as cotton fabrics absorb sweat and help the body cool down. Wearing light-colored clothes reflect heat and prevent mosquitos. Pests use color to find their targets, picking dark colors like blue, brown and black. Thus to stay cool and bug-free on this season, wear clean, lightweight and light-colored clothes.
When you reach home, make sure you wash your hands and face as soon as you enter. Wash hands with handwash and water for at least 20 seconds especially after visiting a public place, coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. Often times, soap and water aren’t readily available. For those times, it is best to carry a sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol wherever you go. Use it frequently when you are outside, cover all the surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they are dry. These measures will keep your hands and face clean and keep the outside germs at bay!
Summers are the perfect time to buy your favorite fruits. As the prices are low during these days, consider stocking them up. Freeze whatever you can’t eat within a week and save it for later. This will provide you with perfect ingredients for delicious smoothies. If you are an ice-cream lover, cut back on sugar and regain control by switching to homemade substitutes. Freeze some bananas for few hours or overnight and blend frozen bananas. Have immediately or refreeze for a thicker texture. You can also add flavors like matcha green tea powder, vanilla extract or chocolate powder while blending.
Make sure you stick to fresh fruits and vegetables when you are out to stay cool, inside out! Say no to fast-foods, street food or any uncooked food this season. Make sure the food you consume is carefully washed, thoroughly cooked, and moderately spiced. Be it vegetables or meat, make sure they are cooked properly. Avoid very spicy food as they might heat your body more and cause digestive problems.
The summer’s heat and sun can be harmful if our skin is exposed to it for long. To avoid suntans, skin rashes, and other skin diseases, it is necessary to apply sunscreen before heading out. Get a good sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose a sunscreen that is waterproof and has 30 or higher Sun Protection Factor(SPF). The summer breeze can often be harmful. Hence, it is essential to cover your face and head with a scarf, glasses mask or cat to avoid heatstrokes.
Mosquitos and bugs are most active around dusk, at the same time when people like to enjoy the sunset and the colder weather. Keep the mosquitos away with homemade bug-repelling citronella candles. They’ll help you smell great and avoid being eaten alive by mosquitoes. You can also make your natural bug repellent with easily found ingredients. You can use rosemary, mint, coconut butter, cloves, catnip, lemongrass or even lemon eucalyptus essential oil.
Keep hacks to stay healthy this summer. Stay fresh and cool these summers!
