12 Tips Against the Heat in Remscheid

High summer is on its way, and not just in Remscheid on the Wupper. Many people look forward to the heat, while others struggle with the summer months. In Remscheid, North Rhine-Westphalia, with its population of just over 110 thousand, there are simple steps you can take to make the summer more bearable.

You might already know some of these steps, but others may still be unfamiliar and can prove very helpful. Knowing the dangers of high summer temperatures in Remscheid, understanding the necessary solutions and actually following them, are two very different things.

Our 12 tips for hot summer days:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

This should really go without saying: during the summer, it's essential to drink plenty of water, especially if you're out in the sun. Sweating doesn't just cause you to lose water but also minerals, which is why it's important to replenish these by drinking regularly.

The effects of not doing so can include cramps or heat exhaustion. In summer, you should mainly drink water, though unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas are just as helpful. Fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages can worsen the feeling of dehydration, so they're not recommended in summer.

2. Avoid the midday sun

Since the sun is strongest around midday, it's advisable to avoid it between 12pm and 3pm. It's best to stay in the shade during this time or wear a hat.

Plan your day accordingly — for example, go for a walk in the morning or evening instead of at midday when it's too hot. It's best to postpone physically demanding tasks until temperatures have cooled down a bit.

3. Wear suitable clothing

Your clothes should cover as much of your body as possible and should be light, loose-fitting and pale in colour. This way, you're protected from dangerous sun rays while staying cool at the same time.

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

Synthetic fabrics such as polyester should be avoided, as they don't absorb sweat, which makes you feel even warmer. Because of sweating, you should also change your clothes more often. Summer arrives faster than expected — so prepare in good time!

4. Always air out your home

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

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

5. Switch off electrical devices

TVs, computers and other devices constantly generate heat, even in standby mode. Always unplug electronic devices completely when they're not in use.

You should also avoid charging devices on warm days — this can easily be put off until you're asleep.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Wet washing leads to increased humidity in your rooms. This is perceived by the body as warmer than dry air. Washing also dries faster outdoors in high temperatures anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

A large meal makes you tired and can make you sweat even more. It's therefore better to eat small meals more often throughout the day. Since you might not feel comfortable during long digestion processes, you should avoid fatty dishes. Light meals tend to taste better to us in summer anyway, as the exceptions usually confirm the rule.

8. Never forget sun protection

UV rays damage your skin, leading to premature skin ageing and an increased risk of skin cancer!

Don't forget sunscreen with a high SPF as soon as you head outside, no matter how cloudy it is. It's best to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you're at the swimming pool.

9. Air-conditioned rooms

It helps to take a break in a cooler room now and then to cool down on a really hot day. This could be your own home, provided it has air conditioning or a cellar, or equally the library or the supermarket.

10. Watch out with 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.

What's more, the effects of alcoholic drinks can make you more careless: who hasn't lost track of time because of it at some point?

11. Think of others

You shouldn't just think of yourself, because other people matter too.

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

Help out wherever you can as soon as you notice these signs in someone!

12. Enclosed vehicles in summer

Don't leave your children or pets alone in parked cars: even in parked cars, the temperature can rise by the minute!

This issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, and sometimes simply forgotten. In a closed car, the temperature can reach health-threatening levels within just a few minutes — dangerous for both animals and people.

A few tips for the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region

These tips will help you get through the summer well while also enjoying it. A few more pieces of information follow here:

• A good investment for the summer is a portable fan or mister, as you can use these again next year.

• Sources of heat should be eliminated, and the home needs to be well ventilated.

• When it's hot, it's smart to prepare meals in advance, saving you the extra heat from the cooker.

• If you keep your blinds or curtains closed, the heat stays outside.

• Take a cold shower or bath before going to bed so you can sleep better.

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

If you follow this advice, you should be able to enjoy summer in Remscheid without too much discomfort, for example at the H2O Sauna- und Badeparadies Remscheid.

A great idea is to go for an ice cream, especially if you can sit outdoors in the shade.

Stay cool and have fun!