Here’s How to Stay Cool During a Heatwave
When the weather is very hot and little shade is available, life becomes difficult for people. Being in very hot weather can be uncomfortable and makes it easier to suffer from heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke. It is very important to stay cool when a heatwave happens for your health.
Avoid Outdoor Activities During Peak Sun Hours
The hours between 11 AM and 5 PM are the peak for sunlight. During this time of the day, temperatures are highest, which increases the chances of heat-related issues. Try to stay out of the sun for these hours, mainly when you’re doing physical activities.
Hydrate Often—And Choose Your Drinks Wisely
In very hot weather, the body sweats a lot and uses more fluids. Try to drink water frequently, as missing one drink can cause your body to become dehydrated. Staying hydrated makes your body work efficiently and helps control your body temperature.
Try to avoid tea, coffee, and sugary sodas. The caffeine and sugar in tea, coffee, and sodas can even cause your body to lose more water. Drinking water, coconut water, or making your own homemade electrolytes will give you the healthiest results.
Cool Down with Simple At-Home Remedies
Don’t worry about fancy tools to cool down your body. A good option is to use a damp towel on your neck, rest your feet for a while in some cool water, or use an iced cloth wrapped around your wrists and ankles.
If you don’t have air conditioning, these methods will quickly help cool your body.
Refresh Yourself with Cool Showers
It often helps to take a cool shower or bath when it’s sweltering in the heat. It helps your body stay cool and cleanses it of sweat, making you feel much fresher.
Even a simple rinse of your hands, feet, and face can help cool you off and revitalize you.
Use the Coolest Room in Your Home
All homes have some rooms that are a bit cooler than the rest because they get less sun or are on the ground floor. Spend time in these places to keep cool. Typically, home spaces that get less sunlight throughout the day, which is usually on the ground floor or rooms with lots of shade, stay cooler, so try to spend most of your time in these spaces to avoid feeling too hot. Spend your time in rooms that get less sunlight so you don’t get as hot.
Close curtains during the day to keep out the sun and then open the windows late at night, when it gets cooler outside..
Take Advantage of Air-Conditioned Public Spaces
If your home does not have AC, find somewhere nearby that does for some time. You can take the edge off the heat by spending some time inside libraries, shopping malls, community centers, and cinemas.
The body can cool down and feel better after just a few hours in a place with air conditioning.
Avoid Cooking with the Stove or Oven
Stovetops and ovens in the kitchen give off a lot of heat, making your home temperature higher. In very hot weather, serve meals that are ready without being cooked and serve salads, or microwave your food to avoid making the kitchen hotter.
This small change helps your home stay cool and makes it easier to cook at home.
Dress Smart: Light, Loose, and Breathable Clothing
It is important to focus on your clothing when trying to stay cool. Wear clothes that are light in color, comfortable, and made from cotton or linen, which will keep you from being too hot in the sun. This allows heat to get away from your body, and it helps your skin breathe.
If you have to go outside, make sure you either wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella for shade. Be sure to use sunscreen when you’re outside and in the sun.
Recognize the Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Even though you have taken precautions, keep a watch for the early symptoms of heat-related conditions. These can include:
• Dizziness or nausea
Sweating a lot or not sweating at all
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion or headache
• Muscle cramps
When you or someone nearby shows these symptoms, go to a place with fresh air, drink some water, and look for help from a doctor if required.
Plan Ahead: Adjust Daily Routines
Planning your daily activities for the coolest times of the day can really help you deal with heatwaves. Try doing your outside tasks, exercise, or traveling early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s cooler. Shift things you have to do outside, like chores, exercise, or going places, to the mornings, afternoons, or evenings, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Make it a habit to keep an eye on the local weather and watch out for any heat alerts. This can help you plan ahead and stay safe. Awareness helps you get ready for the heat and keep yourself safe by knowing what the weather is going to be like.
Don’t Forget to Check on Others
The elderly, children, and pets can find it tough during heatwaves. You should keep in touch with family members, nearby neighbors, and animals to verify that they keep cool and have enough water.
Make sure pets, children, and any other family members are never included in situations where leaving them in a parked car can become life-threatening.
Conclusion: Stay Safe and Stay Cool
You don’t need to worry about a heatwave too much. It’s a good idea to stay hydrated, avoid standing in the sun, cool yourself off with water, and dress appropriately to keep yourself safe and comfortable in heatwaves.
Keep in mind that some basic actions can greatly help during the warmest part of the year. Remember, it’s the little differences you make that benefit your health and help others during heatwaves.
