(KnowRisk)
As temperatures soar there are a number of ways to avoid heat related illness and stay cool. Here are some ways to avoid the scorching summer heat:
- Keep physical activity such as exercise, gardening or housework to a minimum. If you have to do it, do it in the early or late hours of the day and remember to rest when you feel tired.
- Avoid going out in the sun if you can. If you have to go outside, limit it to a short time and make sure you wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ strength sunscreen.
- Have a tepid bath or shower to cool down. While a cold shower may sound good, your body will generate heat to compensate for the heat loss, making you feel hotter after you get out.
- Drink plenty of water or hydralyte type drinks even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinking coffee, alcohol or sugar-heavy drinks as these can make dehydrate you quicker. Try some chrysanthemum tea which is said to cool you down and clear your head.
- If you’re going out, even if it’s only for a short time, always carry a bottle of water with you.
- If you don’t have air-conditioning, try putting a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan to create a cool breeze.
- Speaking of ice, sucking on ice cubes can keep your cool and hydrated at the same time. Try some frozen fruit or cordial for the kids.
- Dip a cloth in cold water and wipe down your face, neck and arms.
- Eat smaller meals more often and try to eat salads and fruits as they can help keep you hydrated. Heavy protein rich meals will make your body work harder and use more energy, heating you up.
- Try eating some spicy food. While it may seem like the last thing you want to do, hot food can enhance circulation and cause sweating which cools your body down.
- If you can, try and go to an air-conditioned facility, such as a shopping centre, library or cinema.
- There are many public pools you can visit to cool off. Just make sure you use proper sun protection if going during the heat of the day.
- Wear light coloured, loose fitting clothing, preferably made from cotton or linen as these types of materials breathe better than synthetic fabric, such as polyester.
- Cars can heat up very quickly, so use a blanket or windscreen shade to avoid burning yourself on the steering wheel or belt buckle on hot days.
More tips to beat the heat here.
Source: KnowRisk
