What to Do About the Summer Heat in Herne?

The height of summer is approaching, not just in Herne an der Ruhr. Many people have their troubles with summer, but just as many look forward to it. But whether you like this season or not, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself, or at least make life a bit easier - not just in Herne in North Rhine-Westphalia, with its nearly 160,000 residents.

Several of these are well known, while others might be new and helpful. Knowing about the dangers of high temperatures in Herne and the necessary solutions, being aware of them, and actually following them, are two different things.

Our 12 tips for hot summer days:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

This is actually completely natural: when you're out in the sun, it's very important during summer to drink plenty of fluids, mainly water. This is essential because when you sweat, you lose not only water but also minerals from your body.

The effects of this can be heat exhaustion or cramps. Water is really the best choice, but herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can also help maintain your body's water levels. Sugary drinks such as fizzy drinks can worsen the feeling of dehydration, which is why they're not recommended in summer.

2. Avoid the midday sun

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

It's very important to plan your day well, so go for walks in the morning or evening instead of at midday, when it's so warm. You can certainly postpone physically demanding outings to a cooler time of day.

3. Clothing

Wear light, loose-fitting, pale-coloured clothes that cover as much of your body as possible. This way, you're protected from harmful sun rays while staying cool.

Natural fabrics such as linen, cotton or silk are best suited. These natural fabrics absorb sweat well and are breathable.

Synthetic fibres, such as polyester, should be avoided, as they only make you hotter since these fabrics don't absorb sweat. The more changes of clothing, the better - because of sweating. Stock up in good time, as the heat arrives faster than expected.

4. Air out your flat/house

Open the windows and doors, but only when it's cooler outside than inside. However, make sure no insects come in with the fresh air.

You can also cool your home down by hanging wet towels in front of the windows or using an electric fan. It gets especially hot in top-floor flats or flats facing south.

5. Switch off electrical devices

PCs, televisions and other electrical devices also constantly generate heat even in standby mode. So you should switch these devices off completely when they're not in use.

On warm days, it's better to charge your devices while you sleep.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a larger balcony or a garden. Wet washing leads to increased humidity in rooms. This is perceived by the body as hotter than dry air. In hot weather, washing dries faster outdoors anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

Since large meals make you feel very sluggish, you'll only sweat more as a result. It's smarter to eat several small meals throughout the day. Fatty meals take longer to digest, which could leave you feeling uncomfortable. Light meals taste better to us in summer anyway, as is usually confirmed with few exceptions.

8. Never forget sun protection

UV rays increase your risk of skin cancer, and your skin suffers irreparable damage. Premature skin ageing - age spots and wrinkles - are also caused by UV rays. Don't forget - your skin never forgets!

You should apply sun cream with a high SPF as soon as you go outside, even on cloudy days. Reapply the sun cream every two hours or more often, especially if you're at the swimming pool.

9. Take breaks in air-conditioned rooms

On really hot days, it can help to take breaks in an air-conditioned room now and then to cool off. This could be the library, the supermarket, or even your own home if you have a cellar or air conditioning.

10. Be careful with alcohol

Alcoholic drinks shouldn't be consumed, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink, remember to order a glass of water with every alcoholic drink.

You should also bear in mind that the effect of alcoholic drinks generally makes you less careful: who hasn't lost track of time because of it before?

11. Think of others

Don't just think of yourself, but of the people around you too.

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

If someone shows these signs, help them if you can!

12. In the car

Don't leave your pets and children in parked cars: temperatures in parked cars can rise rapidly even on mild days!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically played down and underestimated, and sometimes simply forgotten. In a car, the temperature can reach life-threatening levels within a very short time, for both animals and people.

A few tips for the Rhein-Ruhr metropolitan region

These are the most important pieces of information to help you enjoy summer while staying safe. We've put together some further tips for you:

• Buying portable fans or misting sprays is worthwhile, as you can use them again next summer.

• Make sure your home is well ventilated and check that all unnecessary sources of heat are removed.

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

• If you keep the blinds or curtains closed, the heat stays outside.

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

• Avoid doing sport in the heat, however tempting it may be - except swimming, of course.

At the Wananas Sport- und Freizeitbad in Herne, you should get through the summer heat very well - especially if you follow these tips.

Getting an ice cream is a great idea, especially if you can sit outside in the shade.

Have fun and stay cool!