Or as Martha sang, ‘Heat wave …. uh … heat waaaaaaave …’
Or as a fellow FB’er posted … ‘Don’t we just call this summer?’
Anyhow, tamayto, tomado, whatever the weather, the fact remains, when the temperatures soar, do you know how to keep yourself cool and hydrated?
Here’s a refresher about keeping yourself cool and hydrated during summer. To make it super easy, I’ve listed keeping cool ideas for home, work and all around.
In the workplace:
- Stay hydrated! Set an alarm while at work to make sure that you visit the water cooler as often needs be to replenish your drinking water.
- Chill your wrists: Run cold water over your wrists for a 20 to 30 seconds every hour. Try not to do this using the cool water from the water cooler – it’s messy and I doubt the water cooler station is meant to be used as a private bathing area. Rather use the taps in the bathroom.
- If water restrictions are in place, you could always go all sporty and wear a headband and/or wrist bands (clean and dry) that have come from the freezer.
- Drink cool (but not icy cold) liquids to help lower your body temperature. The water cooler cooler station is perfect for this.
- Turn off electronics: If they’re not being used, unplug electronic devices to keep them from generating unnecessary heat.
At home:
- Chill your wrists: Run cold water over your wrists for 20 to 30 seconds every hour. Alternatively, put clean, dry head and wrist bands in the fridge or freezer and put them on after they’re chilled.
- Stay hydrated! Kids may not feel thirsty, but it’s essential to stay hydrated, so make sure young ones are getting lots of water. If you’re planning to leave the house, freeze some water bottles and take them with you.
- Drink cool (but not icy cold) liquids to help lower your body temperature.
- A little help from some fans: They may be little, but those battery-operated personal fans can make a big difference.
- Turn off electronics: If they’re not being used, unplug electronic devices to keep them from generating unnecessary heat.
- Stay downstairs: Downstairs areas tend to be cooler, but wherever you are in the house, remember to keep the room(s) well ventilated.
- Don’t cook: Eat fresh foods such as salads and fruit. Not only will this cool the body’s core, it’ll also keep cooking-related heat from filling up the house.
- Postpone the washing: Plan to do heat-generating activities after the sun goes down. Do the washing at night, for example.
All around:
- Shut windows, pull down the shades and use air-conditioning when it’s hotter outside. If there’s no aircon, make sure all rooms are well ventilated. If it’s safe to do so, open windows when it’s cooler.
- Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat.
- Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).
- Opt for a cooler shower or bath.
- Drink cool drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice.
- Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the internet, radio and TV channels, or at the Met Office website.
- Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.
- Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
- Wear loose, cool clothing and a hat if you go outdoors and always keep a water bottle with you.
- Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
- People who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
- If you’re sweating a lot, be quick to replace lost salts and minerals as well as water. Fruit juice or sports drinks with electrolytes are good choices, but do not take salt tablets unless directed to by your doctor. Taking calcium supplements, however, is a good idea.
- Drink cool (but not icy cold) liquids to help lower your body temperature.
updated from a 2013 blog
