Rapid Cooling Strategies: Discover 4 Unexpected, Science-Based Methods for Beating the Heatwave Swelter
Feeling like you're about to burst into flames? Yeah, it's been a scorcher this week. With temperatures reaching new highs in the UK and the US experiencing a full-blown heatwave, it's no wonder everyone's sweating bullets.
The problem is, humans aren't built for this kind of heat. According to Professor Mike Tipton of the Extreme Environments Laboratory at the University of Portsmouth, we're essentially tropical creatures evolved to roam around naked and lounging in a climate similar to 26°C. So, basically, we're not cut out for this sweaty, sweltering, work-filled misery.
But fear not, my friend! Here are four simple, scientifically backed tricks to help you stay cool in this heatwave.
1. Cool Those Paws, Not Your Face
You might think that pointing a fan at your face is the best way to beat the heat. Think again! Professor Tipton says this is a common mistake. While it'll give you a nice, chilly sensation, it won't actually draw the heat away from your body.
Instead, try immersing your hands in cold water for about 15 to 20 minutes. Your hands have a high surface area to mass ratio, meaning they have lots of blood flowing through them when you're hot. When your core temperature is high, your body will send blood to your extremities to help cool off. So, soaking your hands will cool you down faster than even an ice bath! Just remember, it won't feel as nice, but right now, who cares?
2. Skip the Cold Shower
Jumping into an icy shower may seem like a great idea when you're melting, but guess what? It's not the fastest way to cool off during a heatwave. According to Professor Tipton, submerging too much of your body in cold water makes your body constrict the blood flow to your skin. The secret to cooling down is to deliver blood to your skin and then gently take away the heat. So, opt for a tepid shower instead. The ideal temperature will depend on your body and the heat outside, but Professor Tipton suggests that water that feels relatively warm is the best option.
3. Get Steamy
You probably thought sipping a cold drink would help cool you down. But did you know that drinking warm fluids, like tea or a hot curry, can actually make you feel cooler faster? It's not about trying to cool your body directly, but activating the systems – like sweating, moving blood to your skin – that'll eventually help you cool off. So, avoid gulping down that refreshing water and grab a steaming cuppa instead. Just remember, don't make it coffee or tea – caffeine can raise your body's metabolic rate, causing it to generate more heat.
4. Fan the Flames
Fanning yourself when you're hot is nothing new, but it's still a decent trick. However, it's essential to fan a wide area of your body to help sweat evaporate, rather than just focusing on your face. When the temperature reaches around 35°C, evaporation of sweat is the only effective way to cool the body. So, use a non-electric hand fan to create a refreshing breeze or promote natural airflow by opening multiple windows. Plus, relying solely on air conditioning won't do much to combat climate change – it's a huge part of the problem!
In summary, staying cool during a heatwave is more about adopting various tactics, like cooling your hands, skipping cold showers, sipping warm drinks, and fanning your body, to help regulate your body temperature. Remember, staying hydrated and wearing appropriate clothing are also crucial to beating the heat. And if you can, find some shade or seek refuge in air-conditioned spaces when possible. After all, we're tropical animals trying to survive in a world that's getting hotter by the minute.
Sources:[1] UK Heatwave: Preparing for and coping with extreme temperatures[2] Heat illnesses and heatstroke: Prevention and treatment[3] Heat-related illnesses: Guidelines for prevention and control[4] Heatwave: What you need to know and how to stay safe during extreme heat events[5] 5 ways to beat the heat during a heatwave
Expert: Mike Tipton, a professor of human and applied physiology at the University of Portsmouth, has spent 40 years researching in areas like thermoregulation, environmental and occupational physiology, and has published over 750 scientific papers, reports, and book chapters. He has also worked as a consultant in survival and thermal medicine for the Royal Air Force and UKSport.
- As we grapple with soaring temperatures worldwide and question our evolutionary compatibility with such conditions, it's important to remember that humans are essentially tropical creatures, favored for climates similar to 26°C, historically public nudity, and lounging lifestyles.
- As the earth continues to warm and the climate changes, the need for research on survival, thermal medicine, and human adaptability becomes increasingly pertinent.
- Science and medical fields are actively addressing the challenges posed by future heatwaves on health and wellness, including strategies for fitness and exercise, optimal nutrition, and the impact on mental health.
- Space exploration has also become linked to our survival in extreme environments, as understanding how to regulate body temperature on Mars or other challenging environments may provide insights for dealing with heatwaves on Earth.
- With the future of our climate uncertain, it's important to implement sustainable practices for cooling during heatwaves to combat climate change – using natural airflow or non-electric fans instead of relying solely on air conditioning.
- Considering that nature provides an abundance of methods for coping with heat, such as warm climates habituated by numerous tropical species, researchers could draw inspiration from the plant and animal kingdoms for innovative solutions.
- The preservation of our planet and a healthy ecosystem is not only essential for maintaining biodiversity but also crucial for human survival in an increasingly volatile climate.
