I don't know if anyone else has noticed, but it's been quite hot in the UK this week. I've been hauled up indoors, moving my head in time with the turning of the fan.
France has also been suffering a heatwave, with temperatures reaching up to 41 degrees in Paris. Like London (and the rest of the UK!), Paris isn't built for these extreme temperatures, and Paris authorities have implemented a temporary ban on drinking alcohol in public spaces, aiming to ease pressure on the capital's hospitals during the heatwave.
So what can we do as individuals to stay cool and prevent heatstroke?
There are the obvious things: keep hydrated (I like freezing bottles of tap water and drinking them as they melt), avoid exercise where possible (or at least in the hottest time of the day), and try to stay indoors. Occasional cool showers can help, as can soaking some flannels in cold water, wringing them out, and placing them in areas where large blood vessels flow close to the skin (i.e your neck, armpits, and groin).
Sadly, our houses aren't built for extreme temperatures. You can seek out an air-conditioned café or freezer section in a supermarket; however, there are a few things that can help keep indoor spaces cool.
It's a good idea to close curtains and windows during the day, then open them at night once the temperature drops. Buying a fan is also worthwhile. Fans work by increasing the rate at which sweat evaporates from your skin, helping to eliminate body heat. There's some debate though about the temperature at which fans stop being helpful. Some theories suggest 35°C (95°F), others 40°C (104°F) and above, beyond which fans can act like convection ovens, circulating hot air rather than cooling it.
In summary: stay hydrated, keep your home shaded by day and ventilated by night, and fans are generally your friend unless it’s above 35°C.
👋 For the new joiners: I’m Suraj, also known as Dr Sooj - a primary care doctor & health content creator. I love navigating the complex world of health and wellness and breaking down complicated concepts.
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