Stay Cool in the Heat

Most of us look forward to the long hot days of summer, but excessive heat can leave us feeling uncomfortable and lethargic, and in some cases can lead to dangerous illnesses including heat exhaustion and dehydration. People with existing conditions such as high blood pressure and asthma should take extra care as the heat can aggravate their conditions. There is nothing we can do to change the weather, but there are some effective ways to keep cool when the temperatures rise.

Outdoors

Try to avoid going out when the sun is at its hottest (usually between 11am and 3pm), but if you must go out, wear loose fitting cotton clothing and apply sunscreen as often as possible. White or light coloured clothing is best when you are in direct sunlight, but if you are able to stay in the shade, wearing black clothing will radiate the heat away from your body and help to keep you cool.

Indoors

If you are able to stay indoors, keep windows and blinds closed while the temperature outside is higher than the temperature inside. Place bowls of water in the hottest areas of your home as the water will evaporate and help to cool the air.

Sweat

Sweating is our natural defense against overheating - anything that causes you to sweat, such as hot drinks and spicy foods, will help to cool you down. Wearing a vest under your normal clothes will help to soak up the sweat, keeping it away from your body and avoiding unsightly sweat stains on your clothing.

Get wet

Cooling your pulse points will help to cool your whole body - wrap a cloth around an ice cube and try rubbing it on your wrists and neck. Another good way to cool down is to dip a vest or shirt in cool water, wring out and wear while still wet.

Hydrate

Once you feel thirsty you have already started to dehydrate. It is important to keep hydrated and replace the fluids lost through sweating. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these act as a diuretic. Keep an eye out for symptoms of dehydration which include dry mouth, headache, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, dark coloured urine and nausea.