Not Seasonal Anymore: Dr Anantha Krishnan, internal medicine specialist and diabetologist at Prashanth Hospitals, Chennai, says, we are seeing more cases of dengue and chikungunya, usually associated with the monsoon. Vector-borne diseases are not seasonal anymore but perennial.
Cardiorespiratory diseases increase during summer due to excessive heat. So, stay indoors between 10am and 3pm.
Eat Right: N Rathika, assistant lecturer at Govt Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College and Hospital, says, wood apple, juiced with palm sugar and black salt, is my go-to for summer as it’s rich in electrolyte, vitamins C and K, magnesium, calcium, fibre and has high water content. It helps with heat-related muscle cramps and dizziness.
Wood apple is tangy, so you can replace the tamarind water in pani puri with it as well. Drinking avaram poo or tanner’s cassia tea helps regulate blood sugar levels, and fights body odour and urinary tract infections. It also promotes skin health and gives a natural glow. This flower can be mixed with rose petals or hibiscus and had as tea. Mudakathan keerai or balloon vine, great as a thuvaiyal, soup, puree added in dosa, or chutney, has anti-fungal properties. Balloon vine in oil form stops excessive hair fall in summer. I also recommend juice with poovarasan poo or Portia tree flowers to help with heat-related headaches.
Promoting Gut Health: Clinical nutritionist Roshni S V of Magnacode Clinic, Chennai says, fenugreek kanji when soaked overnight has a unique texture and is a great probiotic. Adding ginger and chia seeds in idli dosa batter also helps maintain gut health. Sprouted lentils and artichokes can be had as a poriyal. Drumstick leaves turned into a soup or poriyal makes for a nutrient-packed dish.
Shade Is Not Enough: Naveen Baby, cluster head at MyTVS, says, keeping cars cool requires regular maintenance of the fluid system, radiator fan and motor and rubber hoses. Ensure coolant levels remain between the high and low marks and check the colour—it should be greenish or yellowish. If it looks like water, it’s time for a replacement.
The ideal coolant-to-distilled water ratio is 50:50. Always open the coolant tank only after the engine has completely cooled down. Engine oil is just as important for cooling and should be replaced every 10,000 km or once a year, as low or degraded oil can cause overheating. To check its condition, rub a small amount between your fingers — if it lacks smoothness, it’s time for a change.