Red weather warnings are becoming more common today. In most parts of the country, the temperature could go up to 40 degrees Celsius. When that happens, you need to change your routine as such temperatures can affect your health. Here are six tips to keep cool:
1. Wear Lightweight and Light-Colored Clothes
If you have to be out in the hot sun, consider wearing lightweight and breathable cotton and linen fabrics. It is important to keep the skin covered as the light-colored clothes will help reflect some of the heat away. However, you still need to wear sunscreen as harmful rays from the sun can still penetrate lightweight fabrics. Always bring a hat with a good amount of shade to protect the top of the head and avoid sunstroke.
2. Drink A Lot of Water
When it is hot, the body sweats. If you fail to replace the water lost through sweat, the body can get dehydrated, increasing the risk of heart-related diseases, such as heart stroke. Drink a lot of water even if you are indoors all day. There is no set amount of water that one should take, but always ensure you take at least four cups of water every day. If you are outdoors, consider taking more than four cups. Sweating reduces the electrolytes in the body, so consider drinks with electrolytes or food rich in calcium and potassium.
3. Tune-Up The HVAC System Before the Heatwave
Whether you have a ducted or a Mitsubishi ductless HVAC system, a tune-up before the cooling season comes in handy. During the HVAC tune-up, the technician replaces or cleans air filters, checks the blower motors and belt, tests the thermostat, lubricates the moving parts, and checks all other systems. The idea behind a tune-up is to ensure that all systems are working efficiently and effectively. You can also use aluminium foil to cover the windows and seal openings that might bring in heat.
4. Stay Indoors and Avoid Strenuous Physical Activities
The summer sun might make a day look appealing for outdoor activities. However, when the temperature rises beyond the summer average, it is not safe to be outside. Stay indoors during the day when the sun is hottest and only go outside early in the morning and in the evening. If you have to stay indoors, it means your house has to be as cool as possible. You need access to an efficient HVAC system, and you can also stay in the coolest room in your house. If you have a basement, stay there as it might be the coolest room in the house. You can still stay downstairs and enjoy a cool environment in your home.
5. Use An Iced Bottle of Water to Cool Down Fast
If you are getting too hot, hold an iced bottle of water against your body and this will help you cool down fast. Freeze water in a plastic bottle overnight and then use it during the day to keep cool. Leave some space in the bottle for expansion. Wrap the bottle in a towel when you need to use it and roll it all over your body. As you do so, target parts of the body where major veins and arteries are located, such as wrists, inner thigh, and neck. You can also use a flannel dipped in cold water.
6. Take Cold Showers Throughout the Day
Cold showers are beneficial to the body. During times of a heat wave, you need to take cold showers during the day. The cold showers take the heat off the surface of the skin to help you cool down faster. If you are near a water body, swimming can also help keep you cool as the sun rages on. Cold water is also therapeutic, so as it cools you, it can help alleviate the symptoms of some conditions that might result from the heat.
Closing Thoughts
Besides knowing how to keep cool, you need to know what to do if you feel unwell during a heatwave. If you ever feel weak, dizzy, anxious, or have a headache that won’t go away, rest in a cool place and hydrate. If you have unusual symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
