12 Tips Against the Heat in Herten

It’s not just in Herten near Recklinghausen that high summer arrives. There are two groups of people: those who love it and those who struggle with the heat. In Herten in North Rhine-Westphalia, home to around 60 thousand people, there are simple steps you can take to make the season more pleasant.

You might already know some of these tips, but others may be new to you and could prove very useful. Knowing the answers to dealing with high summer temperatures in Herten is good, but only if you actually put them into practice.

12 tips for hot summer days:

1. Drink plenty

This one’s pretty obvious: during summer, especially in the sun, you should drink plenty of water. Drinking enough is essential, as it replenishes the water and minerals your body loses through sweating.

Not doing so can lead to heat exhaustion or cramps. Water is literally the best choice, but unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas can also help maintain your body’s fluid balance. Fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages, on the other hand, can actually make you feel more dehydrated.

2. Avoid the midday sun

The sun is strongest around midday, so you should avoid it between 12pm and 3pm. During this time, wear a hat or stay in the shade.

Plan your day accordingly — for example, go for a walk in the evening or morning instead of at midday when it’s too hot. It’s best to save physically demanding activities for a time when temperatures have cooled down a little.

3. Wear suitable clothing

Wear loose, light-coloured, lightweight clothes that cover as much of your body as possible. This protects you from harmful sun rays while keeping you cool at the same time.

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

Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, as they don’t absorb sweat and can make you feel even hotter. You should change your clothes more often because of sweating. Prepare in good time, as summer arrives faster than you’d think.

4. Always air out your home

Open windows and doors when it’s cooler outside than inside. Just make sure you don’t let any insects in.

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

5. Switch off electrical appliances

Even in standby mode, PCs, TVs and other devices constantly generate heat. As long as no one needs them, you should unplug them.

You should also avoid charging devices on hot days — simply do it overnight while you sleep instead.

6. Let your washing dry outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Damp washing increases the humidity indoors, which your body perceives as hotter than dry air. In hot weather, washing dries faster outside anyway.

7. Don’t eat too much

A big meal can make you feel sluggish and even sweat more. 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. Luckily, we tend to prefer lighter dishes in summer anyway — although there are always exceptions.

8. Always remember sun protection

UV rays increase your risk of skin cancer and cause irreparable damage to your skin. Premature skin ageing — pigment spots and wrinkles — is also a result of UV rays. Don’t forget: your skin never forgets!

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen with a high SPF whenever you go outside, no matter how cloudy it looks. Especially at the swimming pool, you should reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

9. Take a break in air-conditioned spaces

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

10. Be careful with alcohol

Alcohol should be avoided, as it has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcoholic beverages, make sure to always order a glass of water alongside them.

Alcohol also makes you more careless — and everyone’s lost track of time because of it at some point.

11. Think of others

You shouldn’t just think of yourself, as the people around you matter too.

Hot weather is even more dangerous for young children, older people or those with chronic illnesses. Watch out for symptoms of heat exhaustion such as dizziness, headaches, nausea or vomiting in your daily life.

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

12. In cars

Never leave children or pets alone in parked cars: temperatures inside parked cars can rise rapidly, even on mild days!

This issue is still dramatically underestimated and downplayed, and sometimes simply forgotten. On hot days, the temperature inside a closed vehicle can reach life-threatening levels within a very short time — for both people and animals!

More tips for the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region

These tips will help you enjoy summer while getting through it comfortably. Here are a few shorter tips:

• Invest in a few portable fans or misting sprays — it’s a worthwhile purchase, as you can reuse the devices next summer.

• Make sure your house or flat is well ventilated and free of unnecessary heat sources.

• Prepare cold meals 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.

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

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

If you take these tips on board, you should be able to enjoy the summer heat in Herten without too much discomfort — for example, at Copa Ca Backum.

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

Stay cool and have fun!