Keeping Cool as Warmer Weather Approaches

Introduction

Following on from last years Top 10 Tips for Keeping Cool this Summer article, we're back to share more ideas on how you can stay cool and refreshed as we enter the warmer months.

With the clocks going forward and a brief heat wave it reminds us that summer is fast approaching. So now really is the time to prepare for the heat! It is invaluable to know what you can do for yourself or loved one to keep safe in the summertime and also what signs to watch out for as high temperatures can be bad for our health.

Helpful items to beat the heat

• A Handheld fan is light, quiet and portable offering a cool draft of air
• Setting up an Electric fan will help keep your home a cool and comfortable environment
• It is always essential to keep Ice-cube trays topped up in the freezer to make your fruit juices all the more refreshing
• For homemade ice pops invest in some Ice Lolly moulds for an unlimited supply, simply fill with your liquid of choice such as fresh orange juice and place in the freezer until frozen, then enjoy!
• Use Flannels as a cooling aid by placing in cold water and dabbing on your skin
• Cooling towels are an alternative option to a flannel, it is a reusable towel that you soak in water, wring it out and place on the skin. When it warms up you simply rinse and repeat!
• It may be an obvious one then again it is often overlooked when spending time outside, smother yourself in sun lotion at least factor 30 and reapply every 2 hours

Reasons you could be more vulnerable to the heat

We don’t hear many people complain about sunny weather, but too much sun is can be a risk for everyone, particularly those over 75 who are more at risk to the hot weather due to a combination of reasons, particularly that over time we become less efficient at producing a hormone which indicates we’re dehydrated.

Certain chronic medical conditions are also known to change your body’s responses to heat, and even some prescription medications can weaken the body’s ability to regulate temperature or could actually prevent or limit sweating which causes you to overheat.

We would always advise to speak to your GP if you are concerned you could be affected by this.

Tips to ensure a super Summer

• Drink plenty of liquids, this doesn’t have to be just plain water change it up with fruit juice or vegetable juice throughout the day. Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine as they are both diuretics and they advance dehydration in the body.
• If you enjoy the taste of coffee why not switch to decaf during the hottest days or even a decaf iced latte.  See below for a quick and easy recipe!
• If you require an instant cool down lay a damp cold flannel on the back of your neck and dab it on the skin.
• Have a soak in a cool bath, take a shower or foot bath but do keep the water below body temperature.
• It can be easy to forget to eat meals in the heat as our appetites are reduced, stick to your routine and switch to refreshing lighter meals like cold pasta and chicken dishes instead of heavy meals like shepherd’s pie!
• Change up your routine and do outside tasks like gardening and walks in the morning before 11am or after 3pm and plan your trips out around these times. Alternatively ask a family member or friend for a lift to save you from walking or waiting at as a bus stop in the blazing heat.
• The face, scalp, ears and neck are sensitive to the sun so in addition to sun lotion why not accessorize with a hat? Wide-brimmed, shade, floppy and bucket hats are great options as they offer protection for all of these areas.
• If you use any metal equipment such as wheelchair or a walker store these in the shade as they can become hot to touch when left in the sun.

Decaf Iced Latte Recipe - A great alternative to your traditional coffee

Ingredients:

• 100ml boiling water
• 1tsp Instant Decaf coffee
• Sweetener
• 150ml milk of your choice
• Handful of ice cubes

Recipe:

1. In a jug pour 100ml of boiling water, add decaf coffee* and the sweetener (if using) and stir.
2. Once cooled transfer into a chilled tall glass
3. add ice cubes
4. Top with milk, stir and enjoy!

*You can adjust coffee/milk to your strength preference

Symptoms of heat-related illnesses

Finally, we've covered some of the common symptoms of heat related illnesses to look out for both in yourself or someone you care for:

Follow these helpful tips and enjoy the British summertime, and let’s keep our fingers crossed for some sunshine!