What to do about the summer heat in Marl?

Marl an der Lippe isn't the only place facing a hot summer ahead. There are two types of people: those who love it and those who struggle with the summer heat. But whether you're a fan of summer or not, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and make life a bit easier - not just in Marl in North Rhine-Westphalia, with its roughly 85,000 residents.

Some of these tips might already be familiar, while others could be new and useful. Knowing about the dangers of high temperatures in Marl, being aware of the helpful solutions, and actually following them, are two different things entirely.

Our 12 tips for the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is very important and, really, just common sense: if you're out in the sun, it's advisable to drink a lot during summer, especially water. Drinking enough is essential because it replenishes the fluids and minerals your body loses through sweating.

The result of not doing so can be heat exhaustion or cramps. Herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can help stabilise your fluid balance, but water is still best in summer. Fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages can actually make the feeling of dehydration worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

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

Plan your day accordingly - for example, go for a walk in the evening or morning instead of at midday when it's too hot. Strenuous physical activities can always be saved for the cooler parts of the day.

3. Wear appropriate clothing

Wear light-coloured, loose, lightweight clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. This keeps you cool while protecting you from harmful sun rays.

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

Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, should be avoided, as they only make you hotter since they don't absorb sweat. You should also change your clothes more often because of sweating. Prepare early, as summer tends to arrive faster than expected.

4. Always ventilate your home

When it's cooler outside, open your doors and windows. Just make sure no insects get in.

You can also cool your rooms by hanging damp towels in front of the windows or using an electric fan. Homes facing south or flats in the loft can heat up very quickly.

5. Switch off electronic devices

TVs, computers and other devices generate heat continuously, even in standby mode. Always unplug electronic devices from the mains when they're not in use.

You should also postpone charging devices until night-time.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Wet washing increases humidity indoors. This is perceived by the body as warmer than dry air. Clothes also dry faster outdoors in warm weather anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

Large meals make you sluggish, which only makes you sweat more. It's smarter to eat several smaller meals throughout the day. Also avoid fatty dishes, as they take longer to digest and can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Light meals tend to taste better to us in summer anyway, as is usually the case.

8. Don't forget sun protection

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

Even on cloudy days, you should apply sunscreen with a high SPF as soon as you step outside. It's best to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you're at the swimming pool.

9. Take regular breaks in air-conditioned spaces

On really hot days, it can help to take a break from time to time in an air-conditioned space to cool down. This could be various places: the supermarket, the library, or your own home, as long as it has air conditioning or a cellar.

10. Be careful with alcohol

You should avoid drinking too much alcohol, as it has a dehydrating effect. For every alcoholic drink, you should order at least one glass of water alongside it.

The effects of alcohol can also make you a bit more careless: who hasn't lost track of time because of it before?

11. Think of others

You need to think of other people too.

Hot weather can be genuinely dangerous for elderly people, those with chronic illnesses, or young children: keep an eye out for nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headaches, as these are symptoms of heat exhaustion.

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

12. In cars

Never leave children or pets in parked cars: the temperature inside a parked car can rise rapidly, even on mild days!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, 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 animals and people!

Even more tips for the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region

These are the most important pieces of information to help you stay safe and enjoy the summer. Here are a few more quick tips:

• Invest in a few portable misting sprays or fans - it's money well spent, as you can reuse the devices next summer.

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

• 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.

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

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

If you take these tips on board, you should be able to enjoy Marl's summer heat without too much discomfort - for example at the Guido-Heiland-Bad, Volksbad Marl e.V. .

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

Always have fun and stay cool!