The doctor is in

Dr Arvind Gaur,Senior Consultant,Medicine and Cardiology,Moolchand Medcity,replies: The diet should be altered during summer as it is a great season to enjoy delicious fruits that not only tease your sweet tooth but also give maximum nutritional benefits. Pineapple,watermelon,muskmelon,honeydew melon,mangoes and strawberries provide vital vitamins and minerals,fibre and antioxidants with negligible amount of fat. Fruits have approximately 80-90 per cent water and natural sugars that give you a healthy and radiant skin. Also,water consumption should be increased up to 4 litres per day,depending upon the exposure to heat and the working conditions of a particular individual.

Incidences of cholera and jaundice go up during summers. How to combat them?

Priya Kumar

Dr Gaur replies: Cholera and jaundice occur due to contaminated food and water. One should avoid food that is exposed to dust,flies and contaminated water. Jaundice can be prevented by taking vaccine with prior consultation with your physician.

I am a 40-year-old heart and asthma patient. Do I need to take special care during summers? Amit Grover Dr K K Aggarwal,Senior Consultant,Cardiology,Moolchand Heart Hospital,replies: Asthma and heart patients should take extra care during summers. Dehydration increases the chances of heart problems. Diseases like typhoid,jaundice and diarrhoea can prove to be dangerous. The most important thing is hand hygiene and patients should protect themselves from heat stroke. During summers (especially in the months of April and May),there are increased chances of asthma attacks because of the presence of pollen in the air. Such patients should be in constant touch with their physician,get their medicines adjusted according to the present requirement and avoid dust and pollen.