The MET Office have predicted a particularly hot summer for 2010, stating that temperatures should soar into the 30′s (°C) over the coming months.
So with the sun on its way, it’s time to break out those beach outfits and get outside in the sunshine. If the summer heat becomes too much for you, try a couple of these tips for dealing with the sun this year:
Take a swim / Get wet
Water takes heat away from the body 240 times faster that the air, so if you’re really struggling with the heat get yourself wet! Try a dip in the sea or swimming pool, or just jump in the shower – as long as you can get yourself wet you should notice a difference in how uncomfortable you feel in the heat.
Drink more fluids
When you sweat your body loses water, which needs to be replaced in order to keep you properly hydrated. Drink plenty of cold water or juice to keep you feeling cool and warn off any kind of heat stroke. Try not to drink alcohol (even though it’s tempting on hot days!) as drinking alcoholic beverages will cause you to be more dehydrated, which isn’t what you’re going for.
Sweat and breath more!
Admittedly, you can’t really choose to increase the amount you sweat, but sweating is an extremely effective method for cooling the body; accounting for around 25% of your bodies heat loss. Try and keep hydrated and although you might be fairly sweaty, you should find you start to cool down considerably. Breathing deeply may make you feel a little better, as around one third of this heat loss from evaporation occurs in the lungs and airways.
Make use of personal electronics
There are a massive number of electronic items available designed to help keep you cool in the heat. If you’re looking for something to help keep you cool at home, go for a ceiling fan which will both reduce temperature and increase the airflow in the house. Or you could try air conditioners, which whilst being a little more expensive are extremely effective at controlling indoor temperatures. Or if you’re looking for something to take with you on holiday or out on those family trips, you could go for a portable air conditioner, which is ideal for keeping you cool wherever you’re planning on going this year.
Tags: air conditioning | summer | sun safety
