Beat the heat: How to stay safe as Karachi swelters

KARACHI:
As the port city has been hit by a heatwave, residents are advised to take precautions to avoid heatstroke while venturing outdoors.

The health department issued a red alert for both Thursday and today (Friday) after the Pakistan Metrological Department’s warning for the Karachi division. The temperature in the metropolis soared to 44˚ Celsius on Thursday and the Met department has forecast that the heatwave will continue today, with temperatures reaching 42˚C.

Karachi hit by heatwave as temperature reaches 44˚C

Here's how you can take care of yourself in this scorching heat.

• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity which will stimulate your body and rise its core temperature


• When temperature is high always wear appropriate footwear. Hot asphalt can damage your feet and increase body temperature


• Never leave children in a parked car, even with windows rolled down. The car will become a hot furnace in no time and lead to total heat strokes


• Use chrysanthemum tea. Practitioners say chrysanthemum tea is a cooling herb which clears the head


• Eat small meals but often




• Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat


• Run cold water over your wrist for five seconds every now and then. It will help cool the blood in the main vein


• Sleep on a feather or down pillow with a cotton pillowcase, synthetic pillow retains heat


• Replace your usual body moisturiser with cooling aloe-vera after sun products

These precautions are especially for those who think venting on Twitter will eradicate global warming.

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