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Great ways to beat the heat this summer

Last updated on: April 28, 2010 11:50 IST

The sweltering summer heat has set in in most parts of India.

It is officially the hottest April in the last 50 years, and northern, eastern, western and central parts of the country continue to sweat it out as the mercury crosses 40 Celsius.

As citizen's pray for an early monsoon, staying cool this summer is now more a necessity than just about comfort.

So, to help you beat the blistering heat here are some easy-to-do suggestions:

Eat cool
Doctors recommend small light meals, that are high on green, leafy veggies instead of large, heavy non-vegetarian meals during the summer. This will not only give your digestive system a break and help beat the lethargy that usually follows a heavy meal, but will also leave place for water, juices and cooling fruit.

Speaking of fruit, make sure you get in plenty of fresh fruit with high water content, for eg, watermelon and other melons, grapes, oranges, sweet lime etc.

Deep-fried foods such as bhajjias, wafers, samosas and farsan are not a good idea since they tend to have a thermal effect on the body, as are caffeinated, carbonated drinks that tend to promote dehydration.

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How do you stay cool in the summer? Do you have a special trick that keeps you cool despite the blazing heat? Share your summer hair and skin care tips, recipes and any other useful info with us by writing in to getahead@rediff.co.in and we'll publish the best right here on rediff.com!

Dress cool

Last updated on: April 28, 2010 11:50 IST
Loose tunics, pastels are the way to go this summer

Cottons are the way to go this summer, the looser the better!

Loose, flowing shirts, skirts and dresses in light or pastel colours are a great way to not only look cool but stay cool as well.

Also, pick up a pair of sunglasses that offer you UV protection.

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How do you stay cool in the summer? Do you have a special trick that keeps you cool despite the blazing heat? Share your summer hair and skin care tips, recipes and any other useful info with us by writing in to getahead@rediff.co.in and we'll publish the best right here on rediff.com!

Travel cool

Last updated on: April 28, 2010 11:50 IST

Now this doesn't mean you rush out and buy yourself an AC car. Instead...

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How do you stay cool in the summer? Do you have a special trick that keeps you cool despite the blazing heat? Share your summer hair and skin care tips, recipes and any other useful info with us by writing in to getahead@rediff.co.in and we'll publish the best right here on rediff.com!

Other ways to beat the heat

Last updated on: April 28, 2010 11:50 IST
Street children bathe in water gushing out of a burst water pipe.

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How do you stay cool in the summer? Do you have a special trick that keeps you cool despite the blazing heat? Share your summer hair and skin care tips, recipes and any other useful info with us by writing in to getahead@rediff.co.in and we'll publish the best right here on rediff.com!