What to do against the summer heat in Hamm?

Midsummer is on its way, not just in Hamm an der Lippe. There are two types of people: those who love it and those who struggle with the heat. In Hamm, North Rhine-Westphalia, with its nearly 180 thousand residents, there are simple measures you can take to make summer more pleasant.

Many of these are well known, others might be new and helpful. Knowing the dangers of high summer temperatures in Hamm and knowing the solutions are two different things.

Our 12 tips for the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking enough is very important and actually quite logical: if you're out and about during the summer, it's very advisable to drink plenty, mainly water. Drinking plenty is essential because it replenishes the minerals and water your body loses through sweating.

The consequences of not doing so can be heat exhaustion or cramps. Herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can help maintain your fluid balance, but water is still the best choice in summer. The feeling of dehydration is made worse by fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages.

2. Avoid the midday sun

As the sun is strongest around midday, it's advisable to avoid it between 12pm and 3pm. Stay in the shade and wear a hat.

Plan your day accordingly, too — for example, go for a walk in the evening or morning instead of at midday when it's too hot. You can certainly postpone strenuous physical activities to a cooler time of day.

3. Dress appropriately

You should wear loose, light-coloured and lightweight clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. This way you stay cool while being protected from harmful sun rays.

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

Avoid synthetic fibres such as polyester, as these don't absorb sweat and can make you feel even warmer. The more often you change your clothes, the better it is for you in terms of sweat. You should stock up in good time, as summer arrives faster than you think.

4. Always ventilate your flat or house

Open doors and windows when it's colder outside than inside. Make sure you don't let any insects in.

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

5. Switch off electronic devices

Even in standby mode, PCs, TVs and other devices generate constant heat. While no one is using them, you should unplug them.

You should also avoid charging electronic devices on hot days — this can simply be postponed until night-time.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Damp washing increases the humidity in rooms, which the body perceives as hotter than dry air. Clothes dry faster outdoors anyway in high temperatures.

7. Don't eat too much

Large meals make you very sluggish, causing you to sweat even more. So it's better to spread several small meals throughout the day. Also avoid fatty meals, as they take longer to digest and can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Exceptions prove the rule that quicker dishes taste better to us in summer.

8. Never forget sun protection

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

So always apply sun protection with a high SPF before going outside, even on days that aren't sunny. Especially at the swimming pool, you should reapply sun protection at least every two hours.

9. Take a break in air-conditioned rooms

To cool down, it helps to take a break in a cooler room now and then on really hot days. This can be various places: the supermarket, the library or your own four walls, as long as they have air conditioning or a cellar.

10. Watch out with alcohol

Alcoholic drinks shouldn't be consumed, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect. For every alcoholic drink, you should drink at least one glass of water.

Alcohol also makes you careless: everyone has lost track of time at some point because of it.

11. Think of others

Think of others too, not just yourself.

Hot weather is even more dangerous for young children, older people or those with chronic illnesses. In everyday life, you should watch out for dizziness, headaches, nausea or vomiting, as these are signs of heat exhaustion.

If you notice these signs, help wherever you can!

12. Cars in summer

Never leave your children or pets in parked cars: the temperature in parked cars can rise quickly even on mild days!

This issue is still dramatically underestimated and downplayed, and sometimes simply forgotten. It's dangerous for people and animals to be stuck in a closed vehicle for too long on hot days, as the temperature rises to very high levels in a short space of time.

More tips for the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region

These are the most important tips to help you stay safe and enjoy the summer. Here are a few shorter tips:

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

• Make sure your home is well ventilated and eliminate any unnecessary sources of heat.

• When it's warm, it's a good idea to prepare meals in advance, so you save yourself the extra heat from cooking.

• To keep the heat out, keep your curtains or blinds closed during the day.

• Take a cold bath or cold shower before going to bed so you can sleep better.

• Apart from swimming, you shouldn't do any sport in the heat.

If you take these tips to heart, you should be able to enjoy Hamm's summer heat without too much discomfort, for example at the Maxi Erlebnistherme Bad Hamm GmbH.

Eating ice cream is always an excellent idea, and it's even better if you can sit comfortably outdoors under a parasol.

Stay cool and have fun!