What to do about the summer heat in Garbsen?

Midsummer is on its way, not just in Garbsen on the Auter. Some people love it, while others struggle with the heat. There are a few simple things you can do to protect yourself, whatever your feelings about the season - and that goes for Garbsen in Lower Saxony, with its roughly 60,000 residents, too.

You'll probably already know some of these tips, while others might be new and helpful. Being aware of the dangers of high summer temperatures in Garbsen and knowing the solutions is one thing - actually following them is another matter entirely.

Our 12 tips for beating the summer heat:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is very important and, in fact, common sense: if you're out in the sun, it's essential to drink a lot during summer, especially water. Drinking plenty is essential because it replenishes the minerals and fluids your body loses through sweating.

Cramps or heat exhaustion can result if you don't. Plain water is best, but herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can also help maintain your body's water balance. Sugary drinks such as fizzy drinks actually make the feeling of dehydration worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Avoid the midday sun, as it's at its strongest between midday and 3pm. Wear a hat and stay in the shade during this time.

Planning your day well is very important, so go for walks in the evening or morning instead of at midday, when it's hottest. Strenuous physical activities can be saved for cooler times of day.

3. Wear suitable clothing

You should wear light, pale-coloured, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much of your body as possible. This keeps you cool while protecting you from harmful sun rays.

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

Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, should be avoided, as they'll only make you feel hotter since they don't absorb sweat. The more changes of clothes you have, the better - because of the sweat. The heat arrives faster than you'd think - so stock up early!

4. Air out your house or flat

When it's cooler outside, open the windows and doors. However, make sure no small critters come in with the fresh air.

You can also cool your home by hanging wet towels in front of the windows or using an electric fan. It can get very hot very quickly, especially in loft flats or those facing south.

5. Switch off electronic devices

PCs, televisions and other electronic devices generate heat continuously, even in standby mode. Always switch off electronic devices completely when they're not actually being used.

On warm days, it's best to charge your electronic devices at night.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a decent-sized balcony or a garden. Wet washing increases humidity indoors, which the body perceives as hotter than dry air. Washing dries faster outside in hot weather anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

A big meal makes you sweat even more and leaves you feeling tired. It's better to eat several smaller meals spread throughout the day. Since long digestion processes can leave you feeling uncomfortable, you should avoid fatty dishes. Handily, we tend to enjoy simple meals more in summer anyway - exceptions prove the rule.

8. Never forget sun protection

UV rays increase your risk of skin cancer and cause irreparable damage to your skin. Premature skin ageing - pigmentation marks and wrinkles - are also caused by UV rays. Don't forget - your skin never forgets!

Don't forget sunscreen with a high SPF whenever you go outside, no matter how cloudy it is. It's best to reapply sunscreen fresh every two hours, especially if you're at the outdoor pool.

9. Take a break in air-conditioned rooms

It's wise 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 supermarket, the library, or your own home, provided it has air conditioning or a basement.

10. Alcoholic drinks

Alcohol has a dehydrating effect and should therefore be avoided. For every alcoholic drink you have, you should drink at least one glass of water.

What's more, alcohol makes you careless: we've all lost track of time because of it at some point.

11. Fellow residents of Garbsen

You shouldn't only think of yourself, because others matter too.

Warm weather can be genuinely dangerous for elderly people, people with chronic illnesses or young children: signs of heat exhaustion include vomiting, dizziness, headaches or nausea.

Help wherever possible as soon as you notice these symptoms in someone!

12. Cars in summer

Don't leave your children or pets alone in parked cars: the temperature inside a parked car can rise quickly even on mild days!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically underestimated and downplayed, sometimes simply forgotten. For people and animals alike, being stuck in cars for too long on hot days is life-threatening, as the temperature rises to very high levels in a short space of time.

More tips for the Hannover region

This information will help you get through summer well while enjoying it at the same time. Here are a few shorter tips:

• It's wise to buy a few portable misting fans or fans, as you can use them again next year.

• Eliminate all sources of heat and ensure your home is well ventilated.

• Prepare cold dishes or snacks in advance, so you don't have to cook when it's too hot.

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

• Take a cold shower or bath before bed to help you sleep better.

• Avoid doing sport in summer, even if that's not easy - apart from swimming, of course.

With these tips, you should get through the summer heat in Garbsen just fine, especially at the Hallenbad Planetenring.

Eating ice cream is always a wonderful idea, and it's even better if you can sit comfortably outside in the shade.

Have fun and stay cool!