Staying cool in the heat

Easy ways

Summer. The season of scorching sun, heat rays, dry wind and everything that would make you squirm, rush back to the air-conditioned office in the morning and never want to leave. A look around the City and you see women carrying umbrellas, not to safeguard themselves from the untimely rains which formed a part and parcel of Bangalore weather, but to avoid the sun. Watermelons are selling like hot cakes and neighbourhood juice shop never looked so tempting. So what are people of Bangalore doing to beat the heat this year and make the summer a little less painful?

Fruits form the top of the list for many, especially watermelon. “To avoid heat attacks, I depend solely on fruit juices, especially watermelon,” says Akanksha, a professional. Other options available to people are having guavas, lemon juice or plain old tender coconut water. “Chilled lassi with lunch, cold milk with rooh-afza after dinner and a pint of chilled beer just before going to bed is the best way to deal with this weather,” says Hitesh, a professional.

“In highly sensitive cases, carrying a glucose bottle or some electral would be helpful to prevent dehydration. Also avoid having heavy and spicy food,” says Avin Agarwal, a general physician.

Wearing glares also helps avoid the sun rays, so this would be the right time to invest in a good pair. Wearing light-coloured clothes is effective since they reflect heat. So what better way to make this summer fun than go shopping? “Rushing to the nearest mall for a movie or just some window shopping is my way to avoid the sun,” says Manasi, a student.

For those travelling in autos and two wheelers, especially women can make use of dupatta to avoid the sun. “Everyday, I have to dress up like a goonda with my dupatta all over me to avoid the sun,” says Akanksha. Wearing caps or using an umbrella would be another option. “I stay the entire day at the office and leave only in the evening to avoid the sun,” says Aditya Suresh, a professional.

“Using only the a/c volvo buses is another option,” says Hitesh, a professional. Some people do have more innovative methods to deal with the heat. “Applying amla to your hair also helps in keeping your head cool and I do this twice a week,” says Abhinav.
Another way of keeping your home cool, without investing in an air-conditioner, would be to dip screen cloth in water and use it as curtains. And the easiest way is taking a cold shower. Last but not the least, try to stay indoors as much as possible. Avoiding the sun can be the most effective option to beat the heat.