To beat heat, elderly must eat & rehydrate
"Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, heat exhaustion and worsening of chronic conditions like heart and respiratory diseases are common in older people during summers. A diminished thirst mechanism and medications like diuretics make the situation even riskier," said Prof Kausar Usman, faculty at the medicine department, King George's Medical University.
According to geriatrics expert Prof Abhishek Shukla, "Simple but critical precautions can protect seniors. Regular hydration with water, coconut water or oral rehydration solutions is essential, even if they don't feel thirsty. Also, living spaces must be kept cool using fans, air conditioners, or open ventilation."
He recommended elderly individuals wear loose, light-coloured clothing, stay indoors during peak heat hours and consume light, seasonal foods to aid digestion and maintain energy levels. Medication schedules must also be reviewed to reduce dehydration risks. Prof Shukla emphasised role of caregivers and families, stating, "Family members must be extra vigilant, especially for seniors living alone. Regular check-ins and timely preventive care can go a long way in keeping our elders safe and comfortable during the harsh summers."
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed!
IC Markets
Start Now
Undo
Former faculty at KGMU's orthopaedics department, Prof R N Srivastava, advised early warning signs such as dry mouth, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, confusion and reduced urine output must be taken seriously. Immediate medical help should be sought if
symptoms of heatstroke
like high fever, fainting, or seizures occur. Experts said elderly patients with high BP often use diuretics, which increase risk of dehydration. Therefore, special precautions must be taken for them during summers.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
7 science-backed tips to boost heart and brain health
Prioritizing heart and brain health is crucial in today's demanding lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and quitting tobacco are essential steps. Getting enough sleep, managing cholesterol and blood sugar, and keeping blood pressure in check are also vital for overall well-being and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Did you know that your brain fires more messages than all the phones in the world combined? Similarly, your heart beats around 100,000 times a day, in order to keep you alive, sharp, and thriving. While taking care of heart and brain health is extremely important, we often tend to add pressure to it with today's lifestyle. From sedentary habits to poor dietary choices, our modern lifestyle often works against the very organs we rely on the most. What's the fix? Well, the trick is in the basics. Here are 7 science-backed tips to boost your heart and brain. Eat better A balanced and nutritious diet is important for both the heart and the brain. The Mediterranean diet, which is loaded with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil, is heart-healthy. This diet reduces the risk of heart disease by up to 30%. Eating omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon, is known to support cognitive function. It is also important to limit processed foods, added sugars, and saturated fats to keep the arteries clear and brain cells sharp. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Stay active Regular exercise is crucial to strengthen the heart and improve brain health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise a week. This could be moderate aerobic activity, like brisk walking or cycling. A 2025 study found that even small amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity are associated with big reductions in dementia risk. Exercise does not really mean spending hours in the gym. Even small bursts of activity, like taking stairs or walking, can help. Quit tobacco Smoking does no favour for your heart or the brain. In fact, it's wreaking havoc on your health. Tobacco damages blood vessels and impairs brain function. Quitting tobacco lowers heart attack risk and also improves cerebral blood flow. Even vaping, which is often marketed as a safer option, still poses risks due to nicotine's impact on blood pressure. Vaping is a way for adults to stop smoking. It's not for non-smokers, especially children and young people, to try. Get a good night's sleep (Pic courtesy: iStock) A restful sleep is important for your overall well-being. Sleep is important for brain repair, as well as heart health. Aim for at least 7-9 hours nightly. A 2024 study found that poor sleep increases the risk of hypertension and cognitive decline. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Good sleep hygiene, such as limiting screen time before bed, avoiding coffee at least 2 or 3 hours before sleep, and creating a restful environment, can help. 'Pretty Little Baby' Singer Connie Francis Hospitalised, Family Gives Health Update Keep cholesterol in check When the cholesterol levels go up, it clogs the arteries, which raises the risk of a heart attack and stroke. It can also affect memory. Monitoring LDL, the bad cholesterol, is important. One can maintain healthy levels through diet, exercise, or medication if needed. You will be able to catch these early on with regular check-ups. Blood sugar levels matter too Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves. This can harm both the heart and the brain. Studies have found that stable glucose levels reduce cognitive decline risk in diabetics. Simple things like monitoring blood sugar, eating low-glycemic foods, and following medical advice can help. Keep blood pressure in check Hypertension, which is often called a silent killer, is one of the leading causes of chronic illness, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. It also increases the risk of dementia. Regular monitoring, stress management, and a low-sodium diet are important to regulate blood pressure.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
India's first Dengue vaccine to be rolled out soon: Phase 3 trial enrollment nears completion
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection, primarily spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is active during the day. It can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and in some cases, can be fatal, especially those with compromised immunity. India, in particular, accounts for the world's 100–400 million infections. Every year during the monsoons the infection reaches a peak, but now there is some hope. India's first dengue vaccine is now in the final stages of testing, with phase 3 trial enrolment almost complete. Let's find out more... Why is dengue dangerous Dengue is a viral infection spread by Aedes mosquitoes. It causes high fever, severe headaches, joint and muscle pain, and sometimes a dangerous drop in blood platelets. In severe cases, dengue can lead to bleeding, organ failure, and even death. Children and the elderly are most at risk. Challenges in making a vaccine For years now, scientists have tried to develop a safe and effective dengue vaccine. The challenge however, is that there are four different types of dengue viruses, and a common vaccine must protect against all of them. Some vaccines developed in other countries have shown mixed results, but are not widely used. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo India's home grown vaccine India's first dengue vaccine is being developed by Serum Institute of India (SII). The vaccine, called 'TetraVax-DV,' is designed to protect against all four types of dengue viruses. Like other vaccines, it uses a weakened form of the virus to train the body's immune system to fight dengue. Since it is not a live virus per se, it does not cause the ailment itself. Key features of the vaccine Targets all four dengue virus types Developed using advanced technology Tested for safety and effectiveness What are Phase 3 Trials? Before a vaccine can be approved for public use, it must go through several stages of testing: Phase 1: Small group of healthy volunteers to test safety Phase 2: Larger group to test immune response and side effects Phase 3: Thousands of volunteers to test how well the vaccine works in a larger group Hence, Phase 3 is the most important stage. It shows if the vaccine can actually prevent dengue in the community as a whole. Where does India stand The phase 3 trial for India's dengue vaccine began in 2023. It is being conducted at more than 20 sites across the country, including both urban and rural areas. The trial aims to enrol over 10,000 volunteers, including children and adults from different backgrounds. As of now, enrollment is almost complete, and early results show good results. Next steps Monitoring: Volunteers will be monitored for any side effects and for protection against dengue. Data Analysis: Scientists will study the data to see how well the vaccine works. Approval: If the results are good, the vaccine could be approved by Indian health authorities within a year. Why is the vaccine important India has one of the highest dengue cases in the world. Early outbreaks put pressure on hospitals and cause suffering for families. A safe and effective vaccine could: Reduce the number of dengue cases Lower hospital admissions Save lives, especially among children Reduce the economic burden on families and the healthcare system Regardless of the vaccine, one must practice prevention against dengue during this season, that includes protection against mosquitoes, (lotions, full clothes etc) covering all drains, and not allowing breeding of eggs in any open water source. Source The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Panacea Biotec
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
'No time for noise': Vidit Gujrathi hits out at 'LiverDoc' for insulting doctor parents and family
Vidit Gujrathi. (PTI Photo) Indian chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi engaged in a social media dispute after a social media user questioned the legitimacy of his family members being called doctors in a post celebrating National Doctors' Day. The exchange began when Gujrathi shared a post wishing his family members, including his father, an ayurvedic specialist, his mother, a cosmetologist, his sister, a physiotherapist, and his wife, who holds an MD in homeopathy. The controversy started when a social media user with the handle 'TheLiverDoc' commented that none of Gujrathi's family members were "really doctors." Social media post by Vidit Gujrathi on X. Gujrathi responded strongly to the comment, stating: "Your entire brand and personality is built on insulting others. While you chase retweets by tearing people down, my family quietly heals lives without needing a spotlight. They've helped more people than your ego can count. Stay in your lane. And for a change, try being useful." Social media post by Vidit Gujrathi on X. 'TheLiverDoc', who claims to be a hepatologist, then posted a detailed response explaining his position and credentials. He clarified that he meant no offence to Gujrathi's family but was stating facts from a professional standpoint. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo "Hello, Vidit. I am not a fan of chess, but you are an important person for our country and I did not mean to offend your family. I am sure they are good people. I was stating plain facts from a professional standpoint and I do not mince my words. You may call that ego or whatever, to console yourself, no problem," TheLiverDoc wrote. The medical professional further explained his stance on alternative medicine: "Your statement on Doctors Day claiming an Ayurveda practitioner, Homeopath, Cosmetologist and a Physiotherapist were doctors is wrong and I stand by my words. Doctors' Day in India marks both the birth and death anniversary of Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, one of India's most revered physicians and a key figure in shaping the healthcare system. " TheLiverDoc emphasised his credentials and the importance of scientific medicine: "I am a certified internist with a doctorate in hepatology and liver transplant medicine with 260 peer reviewed scientific publications, 4400 citations and h-index of 30 (just for your information). You don't know me and how useful I am to my patients and their families. I suggest you do a bit of homework before throwing such childish tantrums. " Social media post by Vidit Gujrathi on X. The exchange concluded with Gujrathi defending his initial post and family members: "I made a simple post out of gratitude. I chose silence at first, because not every conversation deserves a response. But when it turned into mocking my family, I stepped in. If that means stepping out of my lane, so be it." The chess grandmaster added: "You and trolls like you don't get to decide who's a doctor. You have no authority to define others lives or dismiss their work. I've said my part. Now, back to what actually matters. No time for noise." Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
