Expert Advice on Coping with Scorching Heat: Tips for Maintaining Comfort and Safety
A Sizzling Summer in the UK: Beat the Heat with Expert Advice
It's likely you've noticed an uptick in searches related to heatstroke, sunburn, and heat-related illnesses this scorching June 2025 in the UK. Fret not, our experts, including Corey Sims from CSDB, have come up with practical, budget-friendly solutions to help you stay cool, comfortable, and safe during this sweltering season. Here are some of their top tips:
From Pound Shops to a Cool Breeze: DIY Home Cooling Tricks
Corey Sims, a renowned figure at CSDB, suggests a pocket-friendly solution: a spray bottle from your local bargain or DIY shop. For approximately £1, you can:
- Dampen your curtains with water to create a makeshift air conditioner. The air passing over the damp fabric will absorb heat as it evaporates, providing a welcome respite.
- Use the spray bottle on yourself for an instant refresher, mimicking the natural cooling effect of sweat.
- Pop the spray bottle in the fridge for a chilled mist on those extra hot days.
The Sun's Silent Assassins: Neglected Sunburn Hotspots
With beaches packed during heatwaves, it's essential to be sun-smart. Dermatologists remind us to slather on the sun cream (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply every two hours or post-swimming and sweating. Make sure to cover the following often overlooked areas:
- The backs of legs
- Behind the ears
- The neck
- The back of the neck
- The scalp, if exposed
The best defense is to seek the shade during the midday peak UV hours and don't forget to wear protective gear such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing.
Suntastic or Sunscorched: Alcohol and Hydration in the Heat
Staying hydrated is crucial during heatwaves to avoid dehydration and associated heat-related risks. Experts recommend:
- Drinking lots of water (2 liters for women and 2.6 liters for men daily)
- Minimizing alcohol consumption, as it can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and dehydration-related conditions
- Eating water-rich foods (like watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, and drinking juices) to keep the body hydrated
- Keep an eye out for dehydration symptoms (feeling thirsty, less frequent urination with darker urine, headaches, dizziness, and irritability in children)
Home Sweet Home: Combat the Heat at Your Doorstep
Staying cool indoors is vital for our health and comfort:
- Close windows and curtains in sun-facing rooms during the day to prevent hot air from entering. Open them in the morning or at night when it's cooler to let in fresh air.
- Freeze bedding for 20 minutes before sleep for a refreshing night's rest.
- Avoid using ovens, and opt for no-cook meals like salads or sandwiches. Lighter meals, often referred to as "picky bits," are perfect for hot days.
- Cook outdoors on a barbecue to keep the heat out of the house.
- Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to create a homemade cooling system, making sitting areas or bedrooms more comfortable.
By following these expert recommendations, people in the UK can enjoy the summer heat safely and comfortably. Remember to be vigilant about hydration, protect your skin, and cool down your home to minimize the risks of heat-related health problems.
- To help maintain good health-and-wellness during the sizzling summer, Corey Sims from CSDB recommends utilizing a spray bottle filled with water from a local pound shop for creating a homemade air conditioner, instant refreshers, and chilled mists.
- In addition to regularly applying SPF 30 or higher sun cream, it's crucial to pay attention to neglected sunburn hotspots like the backs of legs, behind the ears, neck, back of the neck, and scalp.
- To remain hydrated during the heatwave and avoid dehydration-related conditions, experts advise drinking plenty of water, minimizing alcohol consumption, eating water-rich foods, and recognizing symptoms of dehydration such as thirst, less frequent urination, headaches, dizziness, and irritability in children.
