Tip of The Day : Beat the Heat (and some eczema tips)

It's been quite hot today, no rain (like we usually get here), no wind and the heat is searing to the skin. You can almost see heat drawing off the tarmac road, if you look closely. It's weather like this that causes fever, especially to children.Well, I guess I'll write some tips I've learned from good ol' mom:

1. Taking baths

Careful when taking baths, you might not cool down your body. Start from the bottom, wash your feet first and work your way upwards. That way, most of the heat in your body will be drawn off through your head. Ever wondered why babies have oversized heads compared to adults? Drawing off excess heat is one reason. The scalp has larger pores than the rest of your body (to accomodate your hair), therefore increasing heat dissipation. About a third of heat dissipates through a baby's head. 

2. Dress not to look cool but to be cool

Choose your fabrics nicely - most synthetics aren't the choice to keep the body well ventilated. Pick Cotton garments to wear on a hot day. For men, opt for khaki pants (since they're made of cotton) instead of your usual pair of jeans.

Contrary to popular belief, don't expose much of your skin to sunlight. Take a cue from the Middle East, where they cover themselves up. Exposing your skin to sunlight can accelerate loss of moisture from your body. It's better to let the skin sweat naturally. It also exposes your skin to various skin problems (i.e if you don't use sunblock etc) and dirt, which tends to get suspended in the air on hot & dry days. So, cover up and lose the revealing blouse or the favourite short skirt.

3. Mind your Food (and drinks)

If the weather is already hot enough, why eat food that are hot and spicy? The only thing those will help is getting you to the toilet quicker than usual. Opt instead for watery food, like soup, or noodles. Keep the curry and chilies to a minimum. Don't eat too much either, it'll weigh you down more on hot days. Eat more often (in smaller quantities), don't eat more.

As for drinks, plain water is best. If you want some flavour, try lime juice (lemonade will also do). It'll quench your thirst and at the same time will make you eat less (it's good for diets, too). If it's not your cup of tea, then drink other fruit juices - orange, papaya, watermelon, guava etc. Whatever it is, make sure you don't drink carbonated drinks. And less ice please - it'll make your body hotter, not colder.

4. Lessen Outdoor Activities

I think the title is self-explanatory. Ladies - go to the nearest spa instead.

5. Eczema Tip

My daughter has eczema. So, here's some tips for you moms out there with eczema kids:

-    Use aqueous cream

    The aqueous cream is a moisturizer intended for exceptionally dry skin (such as eczema conditions). Use as often as      needed, it doesn't contain anything harmful in the long run (unlike some creams which contains steroids used to treat       eczema. It's just a combination of some oils and purified water to make it a cream. Use corticosteroid creams only         when necessary (as advised by the doctor)

    Come to think of it, it might be good for us moms too - moisturize our skin....hehehe

-    No sweat

    Keep eczema children indoors, sweat and outdoor dust/ soil will make them itchy and scratchy, so outdoor activities     are a strict no-no. Keep them occupied instead with board games, books, arts / craft projects ....whatever you can         think of. And let them drink a lot, especially plain water. 



So, that's it for today. Post again later. Feel free to add your comments / ideas. Thanks.

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