SP candidate and Bhojpuri actress Kajal Nishad experienced a heart attack during election campaigning in Gorakhpur, and she is currently undergoing treatment in Lucknow. As election rallies and gatherings kick off with the announcement of Lok Sabha election dates, and with the onset of summer, it’s essential to take care of your health, especially when attending political events. Here are five tips from a general physician and diabetologist, Atish Anand, to keep yourself fit and healthy during the hot weather.
Have Breakfast Within an Hour of Waking Up
Whether you’re diabetic or not, having breakfast within an hour of waking up is crucial. For diabetic patients, it’s essential to include oats, porridge, and healthy seeds like chia seeds, flax seeds, and almonds with yogurt in their breakfast. This will keep you full for a longer time and maintain stability in your body.
Stay Hydrated with Electrolytes
Spending extended periods in the sun can lead to dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes in the body. Even after drinking water, people can sometimes experience fainting or cardiac arrest due to a lack of salts like sodium citrate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and dextrose in the body. Hence, it’s important to consume electrolytes along with water.
Snack on Nuts for Small Hunger Pangs
If you’re unable to find time for proper meals, make sure to carry roasted chickpeas, almonds, pistachios, or walnuts with you. These snacks not only control hunger but also provide magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids, which relax the nerves and keep the heart healthy.
Cover Your Head and Face
When going out in the sun, always cover your head and face with cotton cloth. Additionally, wear full-sleeved clothes and try to opt for light-colored and white clothes instead of black or dark-colored ones. This will reduce heat absorption by the body.
Avoid Excessive Sweating
If you’re sweating excessively, find shade or a ventilated area to rest immediately. Stay away from crowded places and consume electrolytes. Excessive sweating can lead to dehydration, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest, especially for those with high cholesterol, diabetes, and a history of stroke.
By following these precautions, you can ensure your well-being during election rallies and gatherings in the scorching summer heat.