When the sun beats down relentlessly and the temperature soars, staying cool becomes a priority.
Netcare 911’s operations director Shalen Ramduth stressed that heatstroke must be treated as an emergency requiring medical attention.
“Usually, our bodies can regulate our temperature by releasing excess heat via the skin or through the evaporation of perspiration, but in extreme heat and humidity, the body may not be able to cool itself fast enough, leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”
He added that dehydration and overexertion can also cause a person to develop potentially serious heat-related conditions.
Meanwhile, the signs and symptoms to look out for during a hot spell include nausea, headache, vomiting, fatigue, muscle cramps, aches and dizziness.
Ramduth added that heat stroke, which happens when a person’s temperature reaches or exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, has symptoms that may differ from one person to another.
These may include symptoms similar to heat exhaustion, dry, flushed skin without sweating, a rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, confusion, unusual behaviour, seizures and loss of consciousness.
“Seek medical assistance as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms because if not treated properly and promptly, heat stroke can cause a person to slip into a coma and suffer organ failure,” Ramduth warned.
So, whether you’re working, running errands or simply trying to stay comfortable at home, it’s crucial to know how to beat the heat.
Here are seven effective ways to stay cool during a heatwave and number six will leave you surprised!
1. Hydration is key
Water is your best friend during a heatwave. Staying hydrated is essential to prevent overheating, dehydration and heat exhaustion.
It is vital to drink water throughout the day and to opt for water-rich foods like cucumbers, melons and citrus fruits.
It is also important to avoid sugary drinks or alcohol as they can cause dehydration, particularly during a heatwave.
2. Keep your space cool
If you don’t have air conditioning, consider using fans to circulate air and create a cooling breeze.
Close your windows and blinds during the hottest part of the day to keep the sun’s rays out. When the sun sets and temperatures drop, open your windows to let in cooler air.
3. Wear light and loose clothing
Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen. These materials allow your skin to breathe and they wick away sweat, which helps to keep your body cool.
Avoid tight, dark or synthetic fabrics as they trap heat and can make you feel even hotter.
4. Cool down your pulse points
To cool your body down quickly, apply a cold compress or run cool water over your pulse points, which includes your wrists, neck, elbows and ankles.
These areas have blood vessels close to the skin’s surface and cooling them can help lower your body temperature.
5. Take cool showers or baths
When the heat becomes unbearable, a cool shower or bath can be incredibly refreshing. If you don’t want to shower, soak your feet in a basin of cold water or apply a damp towel to your face and neck for instant relief.
6. Freeze your bedding (Yes, really!)
Here’s the game-changer: place your sheets or pillowcases in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer for about 30 minutes before bed.
When you lie down, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing chill that can help you sleep through the night.
The cold sensation will also help lower your body temperature and make you feel more comfortable.
7. Eat light meals
Heavy meals require more energy to digest, which can make you feel warmer.
It is important to stick to light and easy-to-digest meals like salads, fruits and vegetables during a heatwave.
You should also avoid hot and spicy foods as they can increase your body’s internal heat.
By implementing these cooling strategies, you’ll be able to weather any heatwave with ease. Keep your body hydrated, wear breathable fabrics and try that freezing trick with your bedding for a cool, comfortable experience.
Weirdest ways to keep cool in a heatwave
When the heat hits and typical solutions just aren’t enough, some people get creative with their cooling methods.
If you’re looking to try something a little more unconventional to beat the heat, here are some of the weirdest ways to stay cool.
1. Wear a wet T-shirt
This is a classic cooling hack but the weird part is the extreme version.
Some people go all in by soaking a T-shirt or cloth in cold water, wringing it out and wearing it for hours.
The evaporating water cools you down but it can leave you dripping wet and shivering in public – so it’s not for the faint of heart!
2. Sleep with a fan in the freezer
A bizarre yet effective trick involves placing a fan in front of an open freezer door.
The idea is to blow cold air from the freezer into the room, which works for a short while – until the freezer warms up!
While it’s a strange method, it’s one many people swear by in a pinch.
3. Stick ice cubes in your clothes
Some people take the “cool your body temperature” idea to an extreme by stuffing ice cubes into their clothing.
Whether it’s under your armpits or down the back of your shirt, the ice melts slowly, and the cold sensation can provide short-term relief – though you may need to keep refilling your pockets.
4. Shaving cream for your feet
This may sound odd but shaving cream has a cooling effect on the skin due to its ingredients.
Some people slather it on their feet or other body parts for a brief cool-down. Just be careful to clean it off properly afterwards.
5. Use a wet sock ice pack
If you’re not afraid of being slightly damp, you can soak a pair of socks in cold water, then freeze them for a few hours.
Once frozen, wear them to cool your feet and body down quickly. It’s a strange sensation, but it works surprisingly well!
6. Submerge your hair in ice water
Rather than just cooling your body, some people dip their entire heads (or just their hair) in ice water. The cooling effect on your scalp helps regulate your body’s temperature and can leave you feeling refreshed, although you’ll be left with damp hair for a while.
7. Use a frozen gel mask
Gel masks are not just for your face anymore. People have started wearing frozen gel eye masks around their necks, wrists or anywhere they feel heat most intensely.
The cool gel provides a prolonged effect and though it looks odd, it can be quite effective for those who need relief while on the go.
