12 Tips Against the Heat in Gelsenkirchen

It’s not just in Gelsenkirchen on the Emscher that high summer is on its way. There are two types of people: those who love it, and those who struggle with the heat. There are a few simple measures you can take to protect yourself, whether you love summer or not - and that applies just as much in Gelsenkirchen in North Rhine-Westphalia with its roughly 260,000 residents.

Some of these measures might already be familiar, while others are new and useful. Knowing the dangers of high temperatures in Gelsenkirchen and the corresponding solutions is one thing - actually being mindful of them and following them is another matter entirely.

Summertime - Our 12 Tips

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking enough is really just common sense: if you’re out and about in summer, it’s well worth drinking plenty, especially water. This matters because when you sweat, you lose not just water but also minerals from your body.

The result can be heat exhaustion or cramps. Water is literally your best option, but herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices also help maintain your body’s water levels. Fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages actually make the feeling of dehydration worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Avoid the midday sun, as it’s at its strongest between 12 noon and 3pm. Stay in the shade during this time if you can, or wear a hat.

Bear this in mind when planning your day - go for walks in the morning or evening rather than at midday. Any physically demanding outings can certainly be saved for cooler times of day.

3. Dress appropriately

Your clothing should cover as much of your body as possible and be light, loose-fitting and pale in colour. This way you’ll be protected and cooled at the same time.

Natural fabrics like linen, silk or cotton are best. These natural materials absorb sweat well and are breathable.

Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, as these materials don’t absorb sweat, which makes you feel even warmer. The more often you change your clothes, the better, given the sweat factor. Stock up in good time, as summer arrives faster than you’d expect.

4. Air out your home

When it’s cooler outside, open your windows and doors. Just make sure you don’t let any unwanted little creatures in.

You can cool your rooms with wet towels hung in front of windows or with a fan. It gets particularly warm in loft flats or flats facing south.

5. Switch off electrical devices

Even in standby mode, televisions, computers and other electrical devices constantly generate heat. That’s why you should unplug these devices completely when they’re not in use.

On warm days, it’s better to charge your devices overnight.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

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

7. Don’t overeat

Eating too much makes you tired, which only makes you sweat more. It’s better to eat several small meals spread throughout the day. Avoid fatty meals, as you may feel uncomfortable during long digestion processes. Light meals generally taste better in summer anyway, as the exceptions to this rule tend to confirm.

8. Always remember sun protection

UV rays cause real damage! They lead to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer. Your skin suffers irreparable harm - and it never forgets!

Always apply sunscreen with a high SPF before heading outdoors, even on days that aren’t sunny. Especially at the swimming pool, you should reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

9. Take breaks in air-conditioned spaces

To cool down, it helps to take a break in an air-conditioned space now and then on really hot days. This could be the library, the supermarket, or even your own home, if you have air conditioning or a cellar.

10. Be careful with alcohol

Alcoholic drinks have a dehydrating effect and should therefore be avoided. For every alcoholic drink, you should order at least one glass of water alongside it.

What’s more, alcohol makes you careless - everyone has lost track of time at some point because of it.

11. Think of others

Don’t just think of yourself, but of others too.

Warm weather is especially dangerous for people with chronic illnesses, young children and the elderly. Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion such as vomiting, dizziness, headaches or nausea in your daily life.

As soon as you notice these signs, help if you can!

12. In the car

Never leave children or pets in parked cars: temperatures inside parked cars can rise very quickly!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically underestimated and played down, and sometimes simply forgotten. Inside a car, the temperature can reach dangerous levels within just a few minutes - dangerous for both people and animals.

A few tips for the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region

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

• It’s a smart move to buy a few portable fans or misting sprays, as you can use these again year after year.

• Make sure your home is well ventilated and check that all unnecessary sources of heat have been eliminated.

• Avoid cooking by preparing cold dishes or snacks in advance.

• Keeping blinds or curtains closed keeps the heat outside.

• A cold bath or cold shower before bed helps you sleep better.

• Avoid doing sport in warm weather, however hard that may be - except for swimming, of course.

At the Hallenbad Gelsenkirchen-Buer in Gelsenkirchen, you should cope very well with the heat - especially if you follow these tips.

Going out for ice cream is a wonderful idea, particularly if you can sit outside in the shade.

Stay cool and have fun!