Feeling hot, hot, hot…

conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo.

Even though it is a bit showery and cool as I write this article, I know summer has arrived and soon we will all have heat-related problems. It is, after all, Melbourne and it will probably be boiling hot soon.

Almost everybody seems to like sunny weather; the sun and blue skies often produce a happy feel good factor. Unfortunately with the strong sun we have here in Australia, care must be taken not to overdo it. Sunburn and heat exhaustion are often experienced. Babies and children especially need constant watching.

If you find the heat and sun too much, homoeopathy and the Australian Bush Flower remedies offer a great deal of relief to help you recover more quickly and reduce susceptibility to ‘fading’ in the heat. Drinking water often and avoiding getting dehydrated helps a great deal.

Sunburn Sunburn is preventable and by following a few precautions, burns from the sun can be avoided. Some people are more susceptible, though, such as fair skinned people, those who have naturally red or blonde hair and blue eyes, the elderly, babies and young children, who are particularly sensitive, those taking certain medications, people with certain skin

It is important to remember that the sun’s rays can also penetrate through cloud and water. Being underwater can be deceptive due to the cooling effect of the water. In shallow water the rays can also reflect off a sandy bottom.

Precautions l As obvious as it sounds l Wear waterproof sunscreen (preferably SPF 30 or more) l Try to avoid the midday sun, usually from noon until 3pm l Wear a broad brimmed hat, shirt and sunglasses. l Children should wear long sleeved shirts, hats and high-factor waterproof sunscreen. l Babies should be kept out of direct sunlight. l Avoid lying in the sun for long periods l Snorkellers should always wear a tee shirt or something similar to prevent the sun burning their backs l Always regularly re-apply sun screen and after swimming, even if the one you’re using is waterproof.

Treatment of sunburn

Despite all of this you can get caught out. Take the following actions instantly: l Get the person out of the sun. l Cool the skin where possible using cold running water, a cold shower or immersion in a cool to lukewarm bath. l Avoid direct pressure to the burnt area. l Give painkillers. l Apply calamine lotion, calendula, or a proprietary after sun lotion to soothe skin Despite these measures, there may still be pain and discomfort. However, effective relief is at hand. Use homoeopathic and Australian Bush Flower remedies, which quickly act to relieve symptoms and accelerate healing in a safe, natural way.

Heat Exhaustion

Sudden or prolonged hot weather really gets to some people. If you know heat and/ or the sun really affect you, talk to a homoeopath now before the weather really heats up. Your homoeopath will equip you with a suitable remedy to help you tackle the heat. Typical symptoms include tiredness, headaches, dizziness, nausea, cramps in the limbs or abdomen, sweating with pale, clammy skin, rapid weak breathing and dehydration.

What Helps l Try to cool down the person by removing them from direct sunlight into the shade. l Lie them down and apply lukewarm (not cold) water with a sponge or similar. l They should be encouraged to drink as much rehydration solution as they can take. (Use water if a solution is not available) l Your homoeopath will advise you on suitable remedies. Bush Flower Rescue Remedy or Bush Flower Emergency Essence is helpful if available, while help arrives. l Allow them to rest until they fully recover, contact your doctor if there are signs of deterioration.

Babies

The hot weather can be a time of risk especially for very young babies. Because of their small size and immature bodies, they are easily affected by the heat. A baby’s skin is thin, and does not yet have much natural protection from the sun, so it burns and gets damaged much faster. If possible avoid taking young babies out in the sun. But if you need to take your baby out, shade them. A light sheet can be spread over a stroller. Cover your baby’s body, arms and legs with light clothing, and put a wide brimmed hat on them. Use appropriate sunscreen and offer extra fluids like extra breastfeeds or for bottle-fed babies, extra formula or small drinks of cool boiled water if they seem thirsty. A ‘tepid’ bath can help keep your baby cool on a very hot day. If you have air-conditioning, make sure the room does not become too cold. Avoid travelling in the hot weather if possible, or do it early in the day. Make sure your baby is in the shade in the car when you are travelling, as their skin can burn in sunlight which has passed through car windows. Never leave a baby alone in a car.

Children

Young children are very active and can perspire a lot as they run and play. Often they get carried away by being with their friends and playing, and are not mindful of the heat and how hot they are getting. They can also forget to drink water in the process of being excited, so offer them drinks regularly instead of waiting to be asked.

Chance for bushfire affected cricket clubs

The JATA Rolling Shield – a new concept introduced in June 2008, is now one of the most popular cricket tournaments among the burgeoning cricketing community.

The JATA Rolling Shield ’08 was officially launched by State Opposition Leader Mr. Ted Baillieu at the Sandown Diwali in the presence of community leader Mr. Nitin Gupta and Babu Akula. JATA Rolling Shield has become so popular that it has attracted more than 100 teams in its second season.

Besides Melbourne, areas like Albury, Wodonga, Shepparton, Warragul, Geelong and Kinglake are coming up with prominent players to participate in the JATA Rolling Shield.

Raja Jata CEO JATA Group, Neeti Jata and Harish Bisam, initiators of the tournament are happy with the development of the concept and are working together to create a much bigger platform for the players.

Panache, Chadstone is the Platinum Sponsor for the whole tournament. Sportsmart is also very generously helping JATA Group in its Kinglake initiative by donating equipment and cash for the Kinglake Cricket Club.

The Victorian Multicultural Commission as always has come forward by providing $1100 to the upcoming immigrant talent in cricket.

The JATA Group is donating part of the proceeds to serve the noble cause of the McGrath Foundation. Only pink balls are being used in the initial rounds of the tournament to support breast cancer awareness, and had been very positively received by the players.

Food and entertainment will be provided by popular Indian restaurant, Aangan - The courtyard of India Aangan is well known for its hospitality and delicious food.

To spice up things, teams in the JATA Rolling Shield have been formed into groups with interesting names like Panachee, JATA, Champions, Sportsmart, Gladiators, Fight Club, Avengers, Dynamites, Warriors and Hercules.

The JATA Group is organising an event at Kinglake to support the bushfire affected cricket clubs. This event will begin on December 13, from 9am to 9pm at the Kinglake Cricket Club and will be felicitated by renowned community leaders, sportsmen and politicians and fully supported by our own community leader, Nitin Gupta.

Strathewen, Marysville, Flowerdale, Kinglake and Yarra Glen Cricket Clubs are participating in the JATA Group’s event. JATA Group has invited prominent community leaders like Ted Baillieu, Nitin Gupta and other politicians to help make the day a success. The response of the community will prove to be an opportunity to show their respect and support for the cricket clubs and their desire to help them get back into the game once again.

JATA Group believes that cricket is a mode of communication which speaks one language. All are welcome to Kinglake to show your support. Kindly donate to the Kinglake Cricket Club generously and support the community.

Sachin Gupta, Sohail Badar