Summer Heat in Iserlohn – 12 Tips

It's not just Iserlohn on the Lenne that experiences the height of summer. Many people are delighted about it, while others struggle with the heat. In Iserlohn, North Rhine-Westphalia, home to a good 90 thousand residents, there are simple measures you can take to make the season more pleasant.

Several of these are well known, while others may be new to you and can still help. Knowing about the dangers of high summer temperatures in Iserlohn and knowing the solutions to them are two different things.

Our 12 tips for the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty

Drinking plenty is very important and actually quite logical: in the summer heat, especially out in the sun, you should drink a lot of water. Sweating causes you to lose not just water but also minerals, which is why it's essential to replenish these by drinking regularly.

The consequences of not doing so can be cramps or heat exhaustion. Water is genuinely the best choice, but herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can also help maintain your body's water levels. Avoid fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages, as these can actually make the feeling of dehydration worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

You should definitely avoid the sun between midday and 3pm, as this is when it's at its strongest. During this time, stay in the shade or wear a hat.

Plan your day accordingly, and go for walks in the evening or morning rather than at midday when it's too hot. You can certainly postpone strenuous physical activities until a cooler time of day.

3. Clothing

You should wear light-coloured, lightweight, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much of your body as possible. This way, you'll stay cool while being protected from harmful sun rays.

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

You should avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, as these will only make you hotter since they don't absorb sweat. Because of sweating, you should also change your clothes more often. It's worth preparing in good time, as summer arrives faster than you think.

4. Always air out your flat or house

When it's cooler outside, open the windows and doors. But 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. In loft flats or flats facing south, it can get very hot very quickly.

5. Switch off electronic devices

Even in standby mode, PCs, televisions and other electrical devices generate constant heat. Always switch electronic devices off completely when they're not in use.

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

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a decent-sized balcony or a garden. Damp washing increases the humidity in your home. 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

A large meal makes you tired and can make you sweat even more. It's better to eat several smaller meals throughout the day. Fatty meals take longer to digest, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Light meals tend to taste better to us in summer anyway, as is usually the case with few exceptions.

8. Don't forget sun protection

UV rays increase your risk of skin cancer and cause irreparable damage to your skin. Premature skin ageing – pigment spots and wrinkles – are also consequences of UV exposure. Don't forget – your skin never forgets!

Always apply sun cream with a high SPF before heading outdoors, even on cloudy days. It's best to reapply sun protection every two hours, especially if you're at the swimming pool.

9. Cool breaks by the Lenne

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 various places: the library, the supermarket, or your own home, as long as it has air conditioning or a cellar.

10. Watch out – alcohol

Alcohol has a dehydrating effect and should therefore be consumed with caution. If you do drink alcohol, make sure you always have a glass of water alongside it.

The effects of alcoholic drinks can also make 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 also of those around you.

For elderly people, those with chronic illnesses or small children, warm weather is even more dangerous. Signs of heat exhaustion include headaches, nausea, vomiting or dizziness.

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

12. In the car

Never leave your pets or children alone in parked cars: even in parked cars, temperatures can rise rapidly!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically underestimated and played down, sometimes even simply forgotten. For animals and people alike, it's life-threatening to be stuck in a closed vehicle for too long on hot days, as the temperature can climb to very high levels in a short space of time.

More tips for the Märkischer Kreis region

If you want to get through summer well and enjoy it, read and follow these tips. Here are a few more pieces of information:

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

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

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

• Keeping your blinds or curtains closed helps keep the heat out.

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

• Avoid doing sport in the heat, however tempting it might be – except for swimming, of course.

With this information, you should be able to get through the summer heat well in Iserlohn, especially at the Seilerseebad.

A wonderful idea is to go out for ice cream, especially if you can sit outside in the shade.

Have fun and stay cool!