What to Do About the Summer Heat in Aalen?

The height of summer isn't just arriving in Aalen an der Kocher. Some people look forward to summer, while others struggle with it. Whether you love summer or not, there are a few simple measures you can take to protect yourself, or at least make life a bit easier - not just in Aalen in Baden-Württemberg, with its roughly 70,000 residents.

Some of these tips may already be familiar, while others might be new and useful. Knowing about the dangers of high temperatures in Aalen and knowing the solutions to them are two different things.

Our 12 tips for beating the summer heat:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking enough is really just common sense: in the summer heat, you should drink plenty of water, especially when outdoors. This is essential because when you sweat, you lose not just water but also minerals from your body.

This can lead to heatstroke, sunstroke, heat exhaustion or cramps. In summer, you should mainly drink water, though unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas can also help. Fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages can make you feel even more dehydrated, so they're not recommended in summer.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Between midday and 3pm, you should definitely avoid the sun, as it's at its strongest during this time. During these hours, you should wear a hat or stay in the shade.

Keep this in mind when planning your day - it's better to go for a walk in the morning or evening rather than at midday. Strenuous physical activities can certainly wait until cooler times.

3. Clothing

Your clothes should cover as much of your body as possible and be light, pale-coloured and loose-fitting. This way, you'll stay cool while being protected from harmful sun rays.

Natural fabrics such as linen, silk or cotton work best in summer. These fabrics are breathable and absorb sweat well.

Avoid synthetic fibres like polyester, as these materials don't absorb sweat, which makes you feel even hotter. You should change your clothes more often because of sweating. The heat arrives faster than you'd think - so prepare early!

4. Always ventilate your home

When it's cooler outside, open the doors and windows. However, make sure no insects get in.

You can cool rooms down by hanging wet towels in front of the windows or using a fan. It gets particularly hot in flats facing south or in attic flats.

5. Switch off electronic devices

Even in standby mode, televisions, computers and other electrical devices generate constant heat. Always unplug these devices completely when they're not needed.

You should also postpone charging devices until night-time.

6. Let your washing dry outside ...

... if you have a garden or a larger balcony. Wet washing increases the humidity in rooms, which the body perceives as warmer than dry air. Washing also dries faster outside in warm temperatures anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

Eating too much makes you feel sluggish, which just makes you sweat even more. It's smarter to eat several small meals throughout the day. As you might feel uncomfortable during lengthy digestive processes, you should avoid fatty foods. It's no exception that lighter dishes taste better to us in summer.

8. Don't forget sun protection

Your skin is damaged by UV rays, which leads to premature skin ageing and increases the risk of skin cancer. Don't forget - your skin never forgets!

So always apply sunscreen with a high SPF before going outside, even on cloudy days. Especially at the swimming pool, you should reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

9. Take cool breaks in air-conditioned rooms

It's a smart idea to take a break in a cooler room now and then to cool down on a really hot day. This could be various places: the library, a supermarket or your own home, as long as it has air conditioning or a cellar.

10. Watch out for alcohol

Alcoholic drinks should be avoided, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcohol, remember to order a glass of water with every alcoholic drink.

The effects of alcohol can also make you less careful: we've all lost track of time this way at some point.

11. Think of others

Think of those around you and not just yourself.

Warm weather is particularly dangerous for older people, those with chronic illnesses or young children. Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headaches, in those around you.

If you notice these signs in someone, help as much as you can!

12. In cars

Never leave your pets or children alone in parked cars: even in parked cars, temperatures can rise by the minute!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, and sometimes simply forgotten. It's dangerous for people and animals to be stuck in cars for too long on hot days, as the temperature can rise to very high levels within minutes.

More tips for the Swabian Alb region

This information will help you enjoy summer while also getting through it well. Here are a few shorter tips:

• Portable misting sprays or fans are a good investment, as you can use them again next year.

• Remove all sources of heat and make sure your home is well ventilated.

• When it's warm, it's smart to prepare meals in advance, saving yourself the extra heat of cooking.

• Keep blinds or curtains closed during the day to keep the heat out.

• To sleep better, it's best to take a cold bath or have a cold shower beforehand.

• Try not to do any sport in warm weather - no matter how hard it is - except for swimming.

At Freibad Hirschbach in Aalen, you should get through the summer heat very well - especially if you follow these tips.

An ice cream is of course also a brilliant idea, especially if you can sit outside under a parasol while enjoying it.

Stay cool and have fun!