12 Tips Against the Heat in Pforzheim

High summer is coming, not just to Pforzheim on the Enz. Some people look forward to the heat, while others struggle with the summer months. Whether you like this time of year or not, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and make life easier - not just in Pforzheim in Baden-Württemberg, with its roughly 125,000 residents.

You might already know some of these tips, but others may still be new to you and could prove very helpful. Knowing how to deal with the high temperatures in Pforzheim is good, but it doesn't help if you don't actually put it into practice.

Our 12 tips for beating the summer heat:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

This is really a given: if you're spending time outdoors, it's essential to drink plenty during the summer heat, especially water. This is crucial because when you sweat, you lose not only water but also minerals from your body.

Heat exhaustion or cramps can result from this. Water is clearly your best option, but herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices are also useful for maintaining your body's fluid balance. Steer clear of fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages, as these can actually make the feeling of dehydration worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

The midday sun is strongest between 12pm and 3pm. This is when the sun's rays are at their most intense. Stay in the shade and wear a cap.

Plan your day accordingly - for example, go for walks in the evening or morning rather than at midday when it's too hot. Physically demanding tasks can certainly wait until the cooler hours of the day.

3. What to wear

You should wear light-coloured, lightweight and loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. This way, you're protected and kept cool at the same time.

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

Avoid synthetic fibres such as polyester, as these don't absorb sweat and can make you feel even warmer. Because of sweating, you should also change your clothes more often. It's worth stocking up early, as the heat can arrive faster than expected.

4. Always ventilate your home

Open the windows and doors, but only when it's cooler outside than inside. You shouldn't let any little critters in, though.

You can cool your home down using damp towels in front of the windows or a fan. It gets especially hot in south-facing flats or top-floor flats.

5. Switch off electrical appliances

Ongoing heat is generated by other devices such as televisions or computers. As long as no one's using them, you should unplug them from the mains.

You should also avoid charging electronic devices on hot days - this can easily be put off until night-time.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you've got a decent-sized balcony or a garden. Damp washing indoors increases the humidity in a room. The body perceives this as warmer than dry air. Washing also dries faster outdoors in warm temperatures anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

Eating a lot makes you sweat even more and leaves you feeling sluggish. It's smarter to have several small meals spread throughout the day. Also avoid fatty dishes, as these take longer to digest and could leave you feeling uncomfortable. There are always exceptions, but on the whole, lighter meals tend to appeal to us more in summer.

8. Always remember sun protection

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

Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor is essential as soon as you step outside, regardless of how cloudy it is. It's best to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you're at the swimming pool.

9. Take a break in air-conditioned rooms

On really hot days, it can be a smart move to take a break in an air-conditioned room now and then to cool down. This could be your own home, provided it has air conditioning or a cellar, or it could be the supermarket or the library.

10. Watch out - alcohol

Alcohol has a dehydrating effect and should therefore be avoided. You should drink at least one glass of water for every alcoholic drink you have.

What's more, the effects of alcohol can make you careless: we've all lost track of time at some point.

11. Think of your fellow Pforzheim residents

You need to think of the people around you too.

Hot weather is even more dangerous for people with chronic illnesses, small children or the elderly. Keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headaches, in those around you.

As soon as these symptoms appear, help as best you can!

12. In cars

Never leave your pets or children alone in parked cars: even cars parked in the shade can heat up minute by minute!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically underestimated and downplayed, and sometimes simply forgotten. Inside a closed car, the temperature can reach life-threatening levels within just a few minutes, for both people and animals.

More tips for the Enz region

This information will help you enjoy summer while getting through it comfortably. Here are a few shorter tips:

• Invest in a few portable misters or fans - it's a worthwhile purchase, as you can reuse the devices next summer.

• Remove all sources of heat and ensure your home is well ventilated.

• When it's hot, it's a good idea to prepare meals in advance, saving yourself the extra heat of cooking.

• Keeping the curtains or blinds closed will help keep the heat outside.

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

• Try to avoid doing sport in summer - however hard that may be - except for swimming.

If you bear these tips in mind, you should be able to enjoy the Pforzheim summer without too much discomfort, for example at the Nagoldfreibad.

Eating ice cream is always a wonderful idea, and it's even better if you can sit comfortably outside in the shade.

Have fun and stay cool!