Beat the Heat: Your Guide to a Safe Thai Summer

Thailand has officially entered the heat of summer once again in April, with temperatures soaring as high as 44°C! During such intense heat, we would like to remind everyone to be vigilant about the health risks that come with the season.

Summer Illnesses to Watch Out For

Heatstroke

Heatstroke occurs when the body is exposed to extreme heat for a long time and cannot cool itself down, which can lead to severe danger or even death. Symptoms arise after prolonged exposure to heat when the body's core temperature rises above 40°C.

Symptoms

• Patients may experience headaches or dizziness.
• Dry mouth, heavy sweating, or a complete lack of sweating because the cooling system has stopped working.
• In severe cases, seizures, loss of consciousness, or irregular heartbeats may occur.

How to Cope

• Avoid areas with high temperatures and high humidity.
• Avoid exercising under direct sunlight.
• Wear breathable, well-ventilated clothing.
• Drink water regularly and ensure adequate hydration.
• Lower body temperature using fans, cool towels, or ice.
• Always carry a personal thermos or a bottle of clean water.

(Image: Refreshing products like thermoses, cool towels, and tea)

Tip: Drink water more frequently than usual. Keep an eye on dry lips; it is a sign from your body to drink more water.

Diarrhea

Summer diarrhea is caused by weather conditions where germs thrive easily, leading to food spoiling quickly. Additionally, thermoses and baby bottles can accumulate germs faster than usual. During summer, it is crucial to pay extra attention to cleanliness.

Symptoms

• Patients will experience abdominal pain and watery stools more than three times a day.
• Fever, nausea, or vomiting may occur.
• Possible fainting due to dehydration from fluid loss.

How to Cope

• Wash your hands thoroughly at all times, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
• Drink clean bottled water or water that has been boiled.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Use clean, sterilized containers.

(Image: Bottled electrolyte drinks)

Tip: Diarrhea usually subsides on its own within 2-3 days. Patients should eat easily digestible foods like soup or soft meals and drink electrolyte beverages to replace lost water and minerals.

Loss of Appetite

As the weather gets hotter, the body reduces the production of the hormone ghrelin, which stimulates hunger. This is a natural mechanism to maintain body temperature by reducing the energy used to digest heavy meals. Reduced appetite combined with drinking a lot of water may cause a feeling of being "water-full" or fatigued, leading to eating less—a common occurrence among the elderly.

Symptoms

• Loss of appetite, especially in seniors, can negatively affect the body and mind, as well as long-term stomach and intestinal function.
• Without adequate nutrients, the body becomes weak, increasing the risk of accidents.

How to Cope

• Choose menus that have high water content, are easy to digest, and are not oily.
• Eat water-rich, refreshing vegetables and fruits like cucumbers, salads, and tomatoes.
• Eat foods with a slightly sour taste; Vitamin C helps provide refreshment and stimulates the appetite.
• Select easy-to-digest proteins like fish or tofu to help the body absorb nutrients better.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of one large meal.
• Engage in light exercise, such as walking, to stimulate intestinal movement.

(Image: Somen noodles, salad, and easy-to-digest fish)

Tip: Diverse, bite-sized, and colorful meals—such as seaweed salad or somen noodles fragrant with wasabi, green onions, and yuzu peel—can effectively stimulate the appetite.

Pet Bottle Syndrome (Soft Drink Ketosis)

"Soft drink ketosis" has been discussed consistently in Japan during the summer since 1992. This condition occurs from drinking too many sugary beverages and sugar-fortified electrolyte drinks in the summer, causing blood sugar levels to spike.

Symptoms

• When blood sugar spikes, the body experiences fatigue, dry throat, exhaustion, and frequent urination.
• Breath may have a fruity, sour smell, indicating high ketone levels.
• In severe cases, this can lead to cerebral edema, coma, and death. Patients, especially those with diabetes, must go to the hospital immediately if these symptoms occur.

How to Cope

• Drink plain water or sugar-free beverages periodically.
• Drink small amounts of water consistently.
• Choose sugar-free drinks to quench thirst, such as green tea or barley tea.
• Consume electrolyte drinks in moderation, following the manufacturer's guidelines on the label.

(Image: Caffeine-free Barley Tea)

Tip: On a hot day, barley tea is an excellent choice. Besides the boiling process ensuring sterilization, it has a mild, refreshing aroma and is caffeine-free, making it suitable for all ages.

Handle Summer Wisely and Stay Happy Together

Beyond the high heat, the Thai summer also brings the refreshing Songkran festival and a season where many varieties of fruit gradually enter the market. We want everyone to stay healthy so you can enjoy the wonderful things that only happen during this time of year in Thailand.

If you or a loved one experiences persistent fatigue for several days or shows symptoms of these illnesses, please consult a doctor. Observing small changes in the body can prevent long-term health issues.

With care and concern,

From UFM FUJI SUPER

credit
https://www.pptvhd36.com/news/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A1/217183
https://www.princsuvarnabhumi.com/articles/Heatstroke
https://theworldmedicalhospital.com/diarrhea-2/
https://www.thaihealth.or.th/%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B7%E0%B9%88%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3-%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%B5%E0%B9%88%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%A1%E0%B9%88-2/
https://tanno-naika.jp/blog/post-682/