Summer Heat in Norderstedt – 12 Tips

The height of summer doesn't just arrive in Norderstedt at the source of the Gronau. Some people struggle with the heat, but just as many look forward to it. In Norderstedt in Schleswig-Holstein, home to around 80 thousand people, there are simple steps you can take to make the season more pleasant.

Some measures may already be familiar, while others are new and useful. Knowing about the dangers of high summer temperatures in Norderstedt and knowing the solutions to them are two different things.

Our 12 tips for the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

This should really go without saying: in the summer heat, you should drink plenty of water, especially when you're outdoors. This is important because when you sweat, you lose not just water but also minerals from your body.

Heat exhaustion or cramps can result from this. Plain water is best, but unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas can also help maintain your body's fluid balance. Sugary drinks such as fizzy drinks can actually increase the feeling of dehydration.

2. Avoid the midday sun

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

Bear this in mind when planning your day — it's better to go for walks in the evening or morning rather than at midday. You could also move any physically strenuous activities to a cooler time of day.

3. Wear suitable clothing

Your clothing should cover as much of your body as possible and be light-coloured, loose and lightweight. This way, you're both protected and kept cool.

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

Avoid synthetic fibres such as polyester, as they don't absorb sweat and can make you feel even warmer. The more often you change your clothes, the better it is for you in terms of sweat. Prepare in good time, as the heat can arrive faster than you think.

4. Ventilate your house or flat

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

You can also cool your home by hanging damp towels in front of the windows or using an electric fan. Loft flats or those facing south in particular can heat up very quickly.

5. Switch off electronic devices

Constant heat is generated by other devices such as PCs or televisions. Always switch electronic devices off completely when they're not actually needed.

You should also postpone charging devices until night-time.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a larger balcony or garden. Damp washing increases the humidity in your home, which your body perceives as warmer than dry air. Washing dries faster outdoors in warm temperatures anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

Large meals make you sluggish, which only makes you sweat more. It's therefore smarter to eat several small meals throughout the day. Fatty dishes take longer to digest, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable. The exception proves the rule that lighter meals taste better to us in summer.

8. Don't forget sun protection

UV rays cause damage! This leads to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer. Your skin is damaged irreparably — and your skin never forgets!

So always apply sunscreen with a high SPF before going outside, even on cloudy days. Especially at the outdoor pool, you should reapply sun protection at least every two hours.

9. Take cool breaks in air-conditioned rooms

To cool down on really hot days, it's a good idea to take a break in an air-conditioned room now and then. This could be a supermarket, the library, or even your own home if you have a basement or air conditioning.

10. Be careful with alcohol

Alcoholic drinks have a dehydrating effect and shouldn't be consumed to excess. If you do drink, make sure to have a glass of water with every alcoholic drink.

The effects of alcoholic drinks can also make you more careless: many people have lost track of time this way.

11. Your fellow Norderstedt residents

You should also think of the people around you.

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

If someone shows these symptoms, help them as much as you can!

12. In cars

Don't leave your children or pets in parked cars: temperatures inside parked cars can rise by the minute!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically played down and underestimated, and sometimes even forgotten. In a closed car, the temperature can reach life-threatening levels within a very short time, for both animals and people.

More tips for the Hamburg region

This information will help you enjoy the summer while getting through it well. We've put together some more tips for you:

• Portable misters or fans are a good investment, as you can use them again next year.

• Sources of heat should be eliminated, and your home needs good ventilation.

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

• Keep blinds or curtains closed during the day to keep the heat out.

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

• Try to avoid exercising in the heat — no matter how hard it is — except for swimming in the pool.

At the ARRIBA Erlebnisbad & Saunadorf in Norderstedt, you should get through the summer heat very well — especially if you follow these tips.

An ice cream is, of course, also an excellent idea, especially if you can enjoy it sitting under a parasol outdoors.

Always have fun and stay cool!