5 great heat myths: it never gets cool
Numerous myths are circulating about suitable measures in high heat. We took a close look at five of these explained myths - and it definitely doesn't make it cooler.
You're safe in the shade - a misconception
A fatal and harmful assumption is that you cannot get sunburned in the shade.
- This is complete nonsense and one of the heat myths that can even harm your health. They can still be delivered in the shade about 40 percent of the harmful UV rays.
- Therefore, you should definitely use a good sunscreen even in shady corners and areas.
- Another myth is the solar radiation in the water. There you are definitely not safe from strong sun exposure.
- On the contrary: the surface of the water acts like a magnifying glass and intensifies the sun's rays.
Cooling from the inside - that doesn't help with heat
Caution should also be exercised when it comes to liquids.
- Drinking a lot in the heat is a must. Sweating causes the body to lose a lot of fluid that needs to be replaced.
- However, avoid ice-cold drinks. On the one hand, these can hit your stomach and cause cramps. You should also know that ice-cold drinks stimulate your metabolism - and that in turn stimulates sweating.
- Better drink lukewarm drinks - even if that is not so refreshing at first.
- The Bedouins in the Sahara are familiar with the heat and should advise you: drink hot tea, preferably mint tea. This gently supports the body's cooling system by keeping it "running".
External cooling - ultimately heats up
A cold shower is wonderfully refreshing - but be careful.
- It is used for short-term refreshment, but is extremely stressful for your circulation - and this is usually already slightly damaged in the heat.
- The cooling only lasts briefly, after which it gets really warm. The reason is that your body thinks it needs to warm up now.
- If your body is overheated, it cools itself down by giving off heat. If the body feels too cold, like after the freezing shower, I warm it up myself.
- This has the effect that you sweat a lot more after a cold shower. In contrast, cool - not ice-cold - foot baths are really helpful. And the big advantage: you can enjoy them in the heat in the office.
Open the window for a fresh breeze - it doesn't work
Do not open your windows or doors at high temperatures.
- Otherwise leave the hot air in the apartment and heat it up. Do not open the windows until late in the evening, when it cools down outside. If possible, ventilate the night into the wee hours of the morning.
- Of course, pay attention to the outside temperatures, because there are also tropical nights. Let the heat into the apartment once, you won't get rid of it so quickly. It is difficult to sleep in the heat.
- If you have roller shutters, it is best to leave them underneath during the day; If your windows are exposed to strong and long sunlight and there are no shutters, you should consider a thermal roller blind or a thermal curtain.
In the heat, as little clothing as possible - a myth
If you travel far to the south, for example to Africa, most locals wear long clothes despite the heat.
- People on the black continent are more used to extreme temperatures. This is how you best know how to deal with the heat and how to protect it.
- You are best dressed on hot summer days with loose, loose-fitting, thin and breathable clothing.
- With tight clothing, there is not enough air to get to the skin. And air needs the skin to cool the body with the help of sweat and evaporation. That's why you sweat more in a tight T-shirt than in a wide shirt.
- The more skin is covered, the better the sun protection. However, clothing does not completely block UV rays. Sun protection is therefore also important under clothing.
In our next article, you will find out what you can do about a headache in the heat.