A heat wave without air conditioning does not have to be unbearable.
Even though you may not have to work in the sun it pays to get up earlier than you normally do and accomplish the tasks around your home before temperatures start to climb.
The coolest time of the day is in the very early morning hours. That is the time to cool your home down as much as possible. Open all the windows when you go to bed and allow the fresh air in.
Leave the windows open in the early morning until temperatures outside are equal to what it is inside the house. At this point it is valuable having a thermometer in your home — one that has a sensor outside can tell you temperatures inside and out. When the numbers are the same, or before you leave for work in the morning, close all the windows so that new hot air generated during the day does not heat up your home. If you have windows where the sun pours in, close the blinds/curtains to limit heat build-up there.
During a heat wave don’t even think of using your oven and limit how much you use the stove top. This is one time where a microwave is handy or become creative with salads.
Don’t rush around doing things and getting hot and bothered just before bed. Take advantage of the time before you go to bed to enjoy a cool drink and relax. A shower or bath in cool water will also help.
We spend all winter locked up in our homes and it is a crying shame that we end up switching the air conditioner on and decide to stay indoors all summer too.
Staying hydrated in the heat is crucial and having cool drinks to reach for is important for your health. Water and plenty of it is best but sometimes we would like something with flavour. Personally I find making my own iced tea with herbal teas gives me control over flavour and the amount of sugar it contains. It is relatively simple to make a pot of tea with boiling water poured over tea leaves or teabags. Allow it to steep for five minutes and then pour the tea into a jug with plenty of ice cubes so that the temperature reduces quickly. Make sure you are using a jug that can handle hot tea and ice cubes as some glass ones could break. Once it has cooled to room temperature it can be placed in the refrigerator until you want a drink. For added flavour add a slice of fresh lemon to your glass. Resist the temptation to sweeten the tea. If you can’t, add a little honey and then slowly reduce the amount you add until you enjoy it plain.
When it is excessively hot our bodies need more water than usual. Sweating helps our body regulate its temperature. Staying hydrated will ensure you still sweat and that helps to relieve some of the heat in your body.
One of the symptoms of dehydration can be muscle cramps. We are at risk for heat exhaustion too with symptoms such as nausea, headaches and even vomiting. If you are no longer sweating it could be a case of heat stroke which can be life threatening. Seek medical attention promptly.
Here’s to staying cool in a heat wave and here’s To Your Health.
To Your Health is a weekly column by Gillian Slade, health reporter for the News, bringing you news on health issues and research from around the world. You can reach her at gslade@medicinehatnews.com or 403-528-8635.
