Title: Heat Wave Alert: Tips to Stay Cool and Hydrated this Summer
With the summer heat finally arriving, Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, warns that the UK is likely to experience the first sustained period of hot weather this year. While it’s always a joy to bask in the sunshine, it’s important to take precautions against the harm the hot weather can bring. Here are some tips to help you stay cool during a heatwave.
Section 1: Importance of Hydration
Staying hydrated is crucial in summer, no matter your age or fitness level. Sweating means you’re losing fluids, and it’s essential to drink enough water, sugar-free drinks, and fluid-rich foods to replenish the lost minerals. Did you know that dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion and in severe cases, to heatstroke? Symptoms of dehydration include a dry or sticky mouth, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.
Subsection 1.1: The Science behind Dehydration
In hot weather, our bodies tend to lose moisture. When the core temperature increases, our bodies dilate blood vessels to circulate heat out and cool down the body. As a result, our skin releases water, which evaporates into the air to cool us down. While sweating cools the skin and results in that refreshing sensation, it can lead to dehydration. The loss of water from the body can make you feel tired, dizzy, and lightheaded.
Subsection 1.2: Caution for Older Adults
Older adults are more likely to be affected by heat and are prone to dehydration. Moreover, as we age, our body’s ability to regulate internal temperatures declines, making us more susceptible to dehydration. The solution? Drink regularly, through the day, and avoid alcohol or caffeine as they can hasten the dehydration process.
Section 2: Ways to Stay Cool at Home
Not everyone has air-conditioning at home, which could make summers unbearable. However, you need not despair; several ideas could help you stay comfortable and refreshed.
Subsection 2.1: Use of Ice Packs
Ice packs are a cheap yet effective way to cool your body. Simply place them around your neck, forehead, and feet to reduce body temperature.
Subsection 2.2: Alternatives to Air-conditioning
If you don’t have air conditioning, a fan can work wonders in keeping the air circulating in a room and reducing the humidity. Shutting the windows and using blackout curtains can prevent your room from heating up.
Subsection 2.3: Cool Foot Bath
Having a nice cool footbath could lower your body temperature significantly.
Subsection 2.4: Wear Light Colored Clothes
Wear light and breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and rayon – it reduces heat absorption and lowers body temperature.
Subsection 2.5: Chill Healthy Snacks
Eating frozen fruits, sorbets, and yogurts helps to cool you down and keep you hydrated.
Section 3: Activities to Do when it’s Hot
Summer brings the freedom to go out and enjoy the sunshine. Some activities can help you keep your cool while having fun.
Subsection 3.1: Swimming
Swimming is a great way to stay cool and active all summer. Find a municipal pool or water park nearby, and indulge in some water fun.
Subsection 3.2: Keep Cool While Sleeping
It’s hard to get a good night’s sleep in the heat, leading to fatigue and restlessness. Placing your pillow in the fridge for a few hours before bedtime would help you sleep comfortably.
Subsection 3.3: Avoid the Heat of the Day
The sun’s heat is at its highest between midday and late afternoon. Plan to go out in the early morning or late afternoons, when it’s slightly cooler outside.
Subsection 3.4: Outdoor Water Activities
River rafting, kayaking, and tubing are refreshing water activities that also help you cool down.
Subsection 3.5: Indoor Activities
Escape to the mall or movie theatre to break from the heat and still enjoy your day.
Additional Piece:
Heatwaves are increasing in frequency and intensity, and this is a result of climate change. According to studies, such severe heatwaves are 30 times more likely due to climate change, and with rising temperatures, it will only get worse. While there isn’t much that individuals can do to slow down climate change, various global initiatives aim to make the planet a little cooler. One such initiative is the planting of trees. Trees provide natural shade, lower temperatures, and help clean carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. They also reduce the effects of the urban heat island effect, where concrete and dark-colored surfaces holding heat in cities, making them warming considerably. So, let’s take conscious efforts such as planting trees, installing solar panels, and switching to clean energy to help reduce the impact of climate change and make the coming summers bearable.
Summary:
The head of extreme events, Dr. Agostinho Sousa at UKHSA, warns of the first sustained period of hot weather this year. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and stroke are risks in hot weather. Staying hydrated and finding ways to cool down at home, sleeping, and with outdoor activities are essential. Heatwaves frequency and intensity are likely due to climate change, which individuals can help reduce by planting trees, using clean energy and more.
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Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “Over the next few days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it is important that everyone make sure to stay hydrated and cool. while enjoying the sun.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65837317?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA
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