Was tun gegen die Sommerhitze in Neuwied?

Midsummer is on its way, not just in Neuwied am Rhein. Many people struggle with the heat, but just as many look forward to it. There are a few simple measures to protect yourself, whether you love summer or not - and this applies not only in Neuwied in Rhineland-Palatinate with its roughly 65,000 residents.

Many of these tips are well known, others might be new and helpful. Knowing the answers to dealing with the high summer temperatures in Neuwied is good, but it's useless if you don't put them into practice.

Our 12 tips for beating the summer heat:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is very important and actually rather obvious: in summer heat, it's essential to drink lots of water, especially if you're spending time outdoors. This matters because when you sweat, you lose not just water but also minerals from your body.

The effects of this can be heat exhaustion or cramps. In summer, you should mainly drink water, but unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas are helpful too. Avoid sugary drinks such as lemonade, as these can actually make the feeling of dehydration worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Between 12pm and 3pm, you should definitely avoid the sun, as it's at its strongest during this time. Stay in the shade where possible or wear a hat.

Plan your day accordingly, and go for walks in the morning or evening rather than at midday when it's too hot. It's best to postpone physically demanding activities until the temperatures have dropped a little.

3. Wear appropriate clothing

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

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

Avoid synthetic fibres such as polyester, as they don't absorb sweat and can make you feel even hotter. The more changes of clothes, the better - because of the sweat. You should stock up early, as the heat arrives faster than expected.

4. Always ventilate your flat or house

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

You can also cool down your rooms by hanging damp towels in front of the windows or using an electric fan. It can get particularly warm in attic flats or those facing south.

5. Switch off electronic devices

Televisions, computers and other devices constantly generate heat even in standby mode. As long as no one needs them, you should unplug them.

On hot days, it's better to charge your devices at night.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a garden or a larger balcony. Wet washing increases the humidity in rooms. The body perceives this as warmer than dry air. Clothes also dry faster outside in warm weather anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

Since large meals make you feel sluggish, you end up sweating even more. It's therefore smarter to eat several small meals throughout the day. Since long digestive processes can leave you feeling uncomfortable, you should avoid fatty meals. Light dishes tend to taste better to us in summer anyway, as the exceptions usually confirm.

8. Sun protection is important

UV rays damage your skin, increasing the risk of skin cancer and leading to premature skin ageing. Don't forget - your skin never forgets!

So always apply sun cream with a high SPF before heading outside, even on cloudy days. It's best to reapply sun cream every two hours, especially if you're at the outdoor pool.

9. Take cool breaks in air-conditioned rooms

It helps to take a break in a cooler room from time to time 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

During summer, you should avoid alcohol, as it has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcoholic beverages, make sure you always have a glass of water alongside.

What's more, alcohol makes you less cautious: everyone has lost track of time because of it at some point.

11. Think of your fellow Neuwied residents

Think of others too, not just yourself.

Hot weather is particularly dangerous for older people, people with chronic illnesses, or young children. Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting or dizziness, in those around you.

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

12. Closed vehicles in summer

Never leave your pets or children alone in parked cars: even on mild days, temperatures inside cars parked in the shade can rise by the minute!

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

Even more tips for the Koblenz region

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

• It's smart to buy a few portable fans or misters, as you can use these again every year.

• Heat sources should be eliminated and the home must be well ventilated.

• Prepare cold meals or snacks in advance so you don't have to cook when it's too hot.

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

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

• Avoid exercising in the heat, even if that's not always easy - except for swimming, of course.

With these tips, you should get through the summer in Neuwied just fine, especially at Deichwelle Neuwied.

An ice cream is, of course, also a great idea, especially if you can sit outside under a parasol while enjoying it.

Stay cool and have fun!