Abu Dhabi Week gets the low down on staying cool in the summer season
It’s getting hot in here! Now that the mercury is on the rise, how can you and your family stay happy and healthy in the heat? We spoke to the experts to tackle some of the biggest issues residents face during the summer months here in the capital. From hydration and nutrition, to fitness tips and fashion looks – find out how to survive and (dare we say it) thrive this summer.
Doctor’s orders
Summer sees a variety of seasonal aliments afflict residents here in the capital. From sunburns, allergies, dehydration and even sunstroke, the intense heat can certainly have an adverse affect on your health.
In order to keep symptoms at bay, prevention and preparation is a must. Dr Harpreet Saini, head of Family Medicine, Healthpoint says: “The important things to do include staying out of the sun, staying well hydrated, and looking after vulnerable people such as babies and the elderly.”
In order to keep hydrated, Dr Saini advises to drink a couple of small glasses of water every hour. If you’re feeling thirsty, dizzy, lightheaded, or have a headache, chances are you are already dehydrated. So it is very important to keep an eye on your fluid intake levels.
“We know too much sun is damaging. Stay out of the heat, especially when the sun is at its strongest, from 11am to 4pm,” adds Dr Saini. In addition, use sun protection when out and about. That means wearing a hat, sunglasses and loose clothing. “Get into the habit of putting on sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure and reapplying every three hours, even if it is an all-day product.”
For allergy sufferers and asthmatics this time of year can trigger common complaints. Reactions to hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, red eyes), and allergic asthma are all increased. To help prevent attacks, take antihistamines, keep your inhaler at hand, and close windows, to limit pollen and other triggers.
Taking responsibility for your health and being pro-active will help you and your family stay happy and healthy in the heat.
For more information visit: www.healthpoint.ae
Food for thought
Food is your body’s fuel. Avoid overheating this summer with a diet rich in water-based foods. “Body hydration is very important in the summer. Even if people don’t have direct exposure to the sun, the summer heat will cause you to lose more body water,” says Hala Hussein Abu Taha, dietitian at the Right Bite Nutrition and Catering Services LLC. “In general, most of the fruits and vegetables are rich in water, so you should aim for five servings of them a day.”
High water content fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit, zucchini and celery are ideal items to incorporate into your diet, to help keep your energy levels up and hunger at bay.
And it would be remiss to not take advantage of the seasonal produce made available during the summer. By incorporating them into your daily meals, you can enjoy the freshest flavours on offer and maximise your overall wellbeing.
“Summer is a colourful season; most of the attractive fruits and vegetables grow in this period,” says Abu Taha. “It is recommended you eat the fruits and vegetables, and not juice them, as that will provide more fibre.”
For more information visit: www.right-bite.com
Train and gain
As the unbearable heat restricts movement to the confines of air-conditioned indoors, we spoke to personal trainer Bruno Duarte Bar to find out how to stay focused and fit, all in the confines of your home.
“I always encourage people to stay active! Being hot outside is no excuse to stop your exercise routine,” says the fitness expert. “The main problem we face when working out at home is that we don’t have tools or weights. I usually teach people to work out with their own body weight as resistance.”
Motivation is key to keeping fit. “Starting is always the hardest part, and if you add the heat to this, the whole experience could be dreadful,” admits Bar. “Try and encourage yourself with nice music, and avoid the hottest hours. Choose a type of exercise you enjoy most and consider joining group exercise classes, as you might feel more motivated when being part of a group.”
Hydration is key if you dare to head outdoors. Bar advises to avoid exercising during the hours from 10am to 6pm, when the heat is the worst. The best times to hit the pavement are before or after peak times.
For more tips or to get in touch, email: [email protected]
Sizzling style
The summer collections popping up in retail shops throughout the capital are all about easy breezy, bright, beachy looks. To still look stylish while staying on trend and, most importantly, comfortable in the climate, be sure to pick the right fabrics. Lightweight clothing is key to staying cool, calm and collected.
“Dressing for the hot Abu Dhabi sunshine can be challenging; exuding style and glamour is even harder in 40 degree temperatures. I’d advise wearing light layers in breathable fabrics,” says fashion stylist Dawn Williamson.
Another handy tip Williamson recommends is “carrying a light wrap or pashmina in your bag to navigate the contrast of the air conditioning.” This way, as you travel through temperature extremes from indoor to outdoor, you can be prepared to stay comfortable.
And as no look is complete without accessories, be sure to do double duty with yours, with sun protecting pieces. “Most of us are sun worshippers, especially those who come from cooler climes, but it’s easy to forget to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays. Sun damage ages the skin, so remember to always wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat. And don’t forget those sunglasses – living in the UAE is the perfect excuse to splurge on a pair of designer sunnies – retro 90s style are bang on trend this season.”
For more fashion tips, visit: www.dawnwstyle.com
Sawaiba Khan
