12 Tips Against the Heat in Lüdenscheid

High summer is on its way, not just in Lüdenscheid on the Versetalsperre. Many people look forward to the heat, while others struggle with summer. Whether you love summer or not, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and make life a little easier - not just in Lüdenscheid in North Rhine-Westphalia, with its roughly 70,000 residents.

Many of these tips will be familiar, while others might be new and helpful. Knowing about the dangers of high summer temperatures in Lüdenscheid and knowing the solutions are two different things.

Our 12 tips for hot summer days:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking enough should really go without saying: when you're out in the sun, it's very important to drink plenty during the summer heat, mainly water. When you sweat, you lose not just water but also minerals, which is why it's important to replenish these by drinking regularly.

Failing to do so can lead to heatstroke, sunstroke, heat exhaustion or cramps. In summer, you should mainly drink water, though herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can help too. Sugary drinks such as lemonade actually make you feel more dehydrated.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Avoid the midday sun, as it's at its strongest between 12 noon and 3pm. During this time, you should stay in the shade or wear a cap.

Bear this in mind when planning your day - it's better to go for walks in the evening or morning rather than at midday. Strenuous physical activities can be saved for the cooler parts of the day.

3. Dress appropriately

Your clothing should cover as much of your body as possible and be light-coloured, loose and lightweight. This way, you're protected from harmful UV rays while still staying cool.

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

Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester, as these don't absorb sweat and can make you feel even hotter. The more changes of clothing, the better - because of sweating. You should prepare early, as summer arrives faster than expected.

4. Ventilate your house or flat

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

You can also cool your rooms down by hanging wet towels in front of the windows or using an electric fan. It gets particularly hot in loft flats or in flats facing south.

5. Switch off electrical appliances

Even in standby mode, computers, televisions and other electrical devices generate constant heat. When they're not in use, unplug them.

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

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Wet washing increases the humidity in your home. The body perceives this as warmer than dry air. In warm weather, clothes dry faster outside anyway.

7. Don't overeat

A big meal makes you tired and can make you sweat even more. It's better to spread several small meals throughout the day. Also avoid fatty meals, as these take longer to digest and can leave you feeling uncomfortable. As a rule, we tend to enjoy lighter meals more in summer.

8. Sun protection is important

UV rays cause damage! This leads to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer. Your skin suffers irreparable harm - and your skin never forgets!

Sunscreen with a high SPF is essential whenever you go outside, no matter how cloudy it is. Especially at the swimming pool, you should reapply sun cream at least every two hours.

9. Cool breaks in air-conditioned rooms

To cool down, it's a good idea to take breaks in an air-conditioned room now and then on really hot days. This could be your own home, provided it has air conditioning or a cellar, or equally the library or a shop.

10. Watch out - alcohol

Alcoholic drinks have a dehydrating effect and should therefore be avoided. If you do drink alcohol, make sure you always have a glass of water alongside it.

It's also worth bearing in mind that alcohol tends to make you generally less careful: everyone has lost track of time at some point because of it.

11. Think of your fellow Lüdenscheid residents

You shouldn't only think of yourself, as the people around you matter too.

Hot weather can be genuinely dangerous for older people, those with chronic illnesses or small children: in daily life, watch out for dizziness, headaches, nausea or vomiting, as these are signs of heat exhaustion.

If you notice these signs, help out wherever you can!

12. Cars in summer

Never leave your children or pets in parked cars: even in parked cars, the temperature can rise by the minute!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically underestimated and downplayed, and at times even forgotten. On very hot days, the temperature inside a closed vehicle can reach life-threatening levels within a very short time - for both people and animals!

Some tips for the Sauerland region

If you want to get through summer well and enjoy it, read and follow this advice. We've put together some further tips for you:

• Investing in a portable mister or fan is worthwhile, as you can use them again every summer.

• Make sure your house or flat is well ventilated and that any unnecessary sources of heat are removed.

• When it's hot, it's smart to prepare your meals in advance, saving you the extra heat of cooking.

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

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

• Apart from going to the swimming pool, you should avoid doing sport in the heat.

If you take these tips on board, you should be able to enjoy the heat in Lüdenscheid without too much trouble, for example at the Familienbad Nattenberg.

An ice cream is, of course, also a great idea, especially if you can enjoy it sitting outside in the shade.

Have fun and keep cool!