It was a hot sunny day and I was heading towards Motijheel in the city by bus. I couldn't manage a seat so I stood inside the bus with many other passengers. The mid-day heat became unbearable with the due caught in a traffic tailback. The atmosphere inside the bus was suffocating. Every passenger was frustrated with the traffic jam. Suddenly we heard a hue and cry from the rear end of the bus. We came to know that an elderly person passed out due to heat stroke and suffocation. A few helpful passengers carried the elderly man underneath the shed of a bus stand and gave him cold water, after some time the elderly person came round and decided to return home instead of continuing his journey.
In hot and humid weather, I have seen many people pass out due to dehydration and exhaustion. We all must be very careful in summer time especially those of us who work outdoors during the daytime when the sun is out with its full force. We should always carry a bottle of water and drink often. Carrying an umbrella is also a good habit to protect oneself not only from rain, but from the glare of the burning sun. But many people think it is bothersome to carry an umbrella all the time, but I think the trouble is worth taking. We should avoid tea, coffee, cigarettes and carbonated drinks; instead we should drink coconut water, slices of fruits like water melon, cucumbers, papaya etc. We should plan our day beforehand and try to avoid going outside at noon when the sun is too hot. I am sure with a little consciousness we can beat the summer heat and enjoy it with cheerful mind and health.
Sakibul Alam
Gopibagh, Dhaka
Beat the summer heat
FE Team | Published: April 25, 2012 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00
Share if you like