Dimapur suffers under scorching heat

UVA/UVB sunscreens and coconut water to beat the heat 

Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 27

Summer is upon us and the cliché of having fun in the sun remains just that. However, in Dimapur, the bright sun accompanied by scorching heat and humidity causes more than just mere inconvenience. Accuweather, along with many other sources recorded a comfortable average temperature of 270 Celsius on May 27 in Dimapur; however a humidity level of 83 per cent caused Dimapurians to face agonizing weather conditions. A brief shower in the evening helped slightly to wade off the heat. Forecasts suggest that except for the brief relief from showers at regular intervals, these conditions would continue for some time. 

Various sources predict that the average maximum temperature for the month of May in Dimapur would be 310 Celsius while the average humidity level would be 79 per cent. This results in a heat index of 121. It may be noted that the heat index is a measure of the temperature that the body feels when humidity is taken into account. The forecasts imply a relatively manageable temperature but the high humidity levels spike up the heat index. Doctors caution that a heat index between the 120 and 135 markers create higher risks of heat exhaustion and heat strokes.     

The ongoing heat wave in Andhra Pradesh has already claimed 524 lives. Guntur, in Andhra Pradesh which recorded a heat index between 130 and 135 witnessed 95 deaths due to sun strokes. The sub tropical location of Nagaland plays a role in spiking up the humidity level thus raising the heat index as well, and according to forecasts Dimapur bears the brunt of the scorching heat. Predicted showers would seem to be the only avenue for relief.   

The shortage of electricity adds to the problem as sweat builds up due to the fans and air conditioners not functioning. It poses medical risks like allergies, cramps, heat strokes, breathing disorders, food poisoning etc. 

Dr. Wapang Aier from Dimapur states that infections are most common during the summer months. “The moisture from sweat and constant exposure to the sun facilitates proliferation of bacterial and fungal infections,” he adds. He advises on the need to keep clean and use proper sunscreen creams. He recommends a sunscreen with a “broad spectrum, capable of protecting the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.” He adds, “Wear something that is comfortable to avoid blister and rashes as they can quickly get infected in the summer.”

The possibility of heat strokes also has to be taken into account during summer months. Some of the common symptoms include body aches, stomach cramps, headaches, nausea vomiting and high fever. 

Doctors recommend adequate consumption of water and the need to not overwork the body in the heat. 

Food poisoning also has the potential to become more rampant in hot and damp conditions as warm weather helps bacteria multiply faster. As such, extra care is required, especially in the summer months to ensure that eatables are not contaminated.

The intake of the right kind of food is also a necessity during summer. Sweating in extreme heat makes the body lose not only water but also sugars, salts and minerals, most importantly, potassium and sodium. 

Shikha Sharma, a nutritionist from Delhi states that coconut water acts as a good replacement for the minerals that we lose through sweat. She adds that refrigerated items such as chilled salads do not necessarily cool the body. However, barley, rice, mint, coriander and onion in moderate proportions have a cooling effect on the system once they have been digested. Nutritionists also suggest that spicy meat dishes are to be taken less in order to stay cool. Meat being an almost daily diet for most Nagas, the risk of being affected more by the heat is prevalent. 

The use of proper skin protection creams, proper intake of water (2-3 litres per day), intervals of rest for the body and a proper diet can go a long way in lowering health risks during summer months. The scorching heat will continue as it always has but few precautions can help in making the heat a little less unbearable.