Latest news with #AnuradhaSharma
Hindustan Times
28-04-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
As Delhi sizzles, rising heat takes a toll on animals
New Delhi, With temperatures soaring, veterinarians across Delhi highlighted a rise in cases of dehydration, heatstroke and respiratory distress among animals. They advised that pets be kept in cool rooms so that they can be comfortable as temperatures hit new highs. The city's weather has remained dry and hot throughout April, with very little rainfall. Heatstroke can cause symptoms like excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea, veterinarians explained. Pet cats and dogs, stray animals, and even birds are struggling to cope with the extreme heat. Dr Anuradha Sharma, veterinarian at city-based clinic, said, "Just like humans, animals are extremely vulnerable to heat stress. Dogs, cats, cows and even birds like pigeons and crows are coming in with symptoms of severe dehydration and heat exhaustion." Explaining the impact of extreme temperatures, Sharma said, "Animals, especially dogs and cats, regulate their body temperature differently from humans. They do not sweat like we do. Dogs mainly cool themselves by panting. When the air is too hot and humid, panting becomes less effective leading to their bodies overheating very quickly." Birds too face serious challenges during peak summer. "In birds, we often see cases of heat stress when they become disoriented and collapse from trees or suffer fatal dehydration," another veterinarian Dr Raghav Joshi told PTI. He added that stray animals, without regular access to water or shade, are particularly at risk. Veterinarians strongly advised that pet owners and citizens take preventive steps to protect animals during heatwaves. "Always ensure that pets and strays have access to cool, clean drinking water. Walk your dogs early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are lower. Never leave pets inside parked cars, even for a few minutes, as the temperature inside can become deadly very quickly," said Dr Joshi. For birds, keeping water bowls on balconies, rooftops and terraces can be life-saving. Citizens are also encouraged to leave water containers for stray animals in shaded areas, he said. Veterinary doctor Sumit Nagar said that summer heat can change animals' behaviour. He said changes in activity patterns may occur with animals becoming more active at dawn and dusk when heat is low. Increased aggression is also observed in some animals due to heat stress or competition for resources, he said. Dr Nagar suggested monitoring temperature and humidity levels, adjusting feeding and exercise routines, and providing shade and shelter for the animals, to keep them comfortable. So far in April, only 0.7mm of rainfall has been recorded, well below the Long-Period Average of 16.3mm, according to data from India Meteorological Department. Delhi received just 1.8mm of rain in March, a 90 per cent deficit compared to the LPA of 17.4mm, while in February only 1.4mm rain was recorded, amounting to 93 per cent deficit. On Saturday, the capital's temperature touched 42 degrees Celsius for the first time this season, making it the hottest April day in the last three years. The city also witnessed a warm night on Saturday with the minimum temperature recorded at 27.2 degrees Celsius, three notches above normal. This was also the highest minimum temperature in April in six years, according to the weather department.
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Body brushing worth the hype? Dermat shares the truth and what is the correct method
Skin and body care trends on social media are continuously evolving, with new practices popping up online along with a string of expectations that fuel the buzz. Identifying whether it's just another fleeting wellness trend or something that may actually offer long-term benefits is where the real challenge lies. Body brushing is one such trend that has captured the attention of netizens. Let's decode it and see if it's truly worth a spot in your body care routine. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anuradha Sharma, Medical Advisor and Skin Expert at Fixderma, shared the basics of body brushing and whether it's more than the social media buzz it garnered. She explained, 'Promoted by celebrities, influencers, and holistic health practitioners alike, the body brushing practice involves using a firm-bristled brush to sweep across dry skin in upward strokes, typically before showering. A major question that arises is why this is gaining popularity, claiming it boosts circulation, exfoliates the skin, stimulates the lymphatic system, and even reduces the appearance of cellulite.' Moreover, it may appear as if it's a new trend with influencers trying it out, but body brushing can actually be traced back centuries in ancient cultures. Dr Anuradha Sharma explained, "While it might seem like the latest trend, body brushing is far from new and has deep roots in ancient cultures, from Ayurvedic 'Garshana' practices to Greek and Japanese rituals. In these traditions, dry brushing was used not just for hygiene or for skin care, but as a spiritual or energising routine. Fans of body brushing report smoother skin, fewer ingrown hairs, reduced appearance of cellulite, improved circulation and lymphatic drainage." There are claims that body brushing can detoxify the body, but how true is it? Dr Sharma debunked it and revealed, 'We urge a cautious approach to these broader health claims. As there is no clinical evidence that dry brushing detoxifies the body or meaningfully improves lymphatic flow. But as it is a mechanical exfoliator, it can absolutely help remove dead skin cells and improve the skin's texture if done correctly and safely.' As Dr Sharma clarified, body brushing may not help with lymphatic flow, but instead it helps in mechanical exfoliation, getting rid of dead cells. She shared a guide on how to do it correctly: ALSO READ: Say goodbye to dull, tanned summer skin: Expert shares 7 skincare hacks for good hydration Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
