What to Do About the Summer Heat in Salzgitter?

High summer is on its way, and not just in Salzgitter on the Fuhse. Some people look forward to the heat, while others struggle with summer. There are a few simple measures you can take to protect yourself, whether you love summer or not - and this applies not just in Salzgitter in Lower Saxony with its roughly 105 thousand inhabitants.

Some of these actions may already be familiar, while others might be helpful and new. Knowing the answers to coping with the high summer temperatures in Salzgitter is good, but it's useless if you don't actually put them into practice.

Our 12 tips for the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking enough is really just common sense: when you're out and about in the summer heat, it's very important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Drinking plenty is essential, as it replenishes the water and minerals your body loses through sweating.

The result of not doing so can be cramps or heat exhaustion. Water is genuinely the best option, but unsweetened fruit juices and herbal teas are also helpful for maintaining your body's fluid balance. Fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages can make the feeling of dehydration worse, which is why they're not recommended in summer.

2. Avoid the midday sun

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

Bear this in mind when planning your day - it's better to go for a walk in the morning or evening rather than at midday. Physically strenuous activities can certainly be saved for cooler times of day.

3. Appropriate clothing

Wear light, loose-fitting, pale-coloured clothes that cover as much of your body as possible. This way, you're protected and kept cool at the same time.

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

Synthetic fibres such as polyester should be avoided, as these fabrics don't absorb sweat, which makes you feel even warmer. The more changes of clothes you have, the better - because of the sweat. The heat can catch you out faster than you'd think, so stock up in good time!

4. Air out your house/flat

Open the windows and doors, but only when it's colder outside than indoors. However, make sure no little critters get in.

You can cool down rooms by hanging wet towels in front of windows or using a fan. Flats facing south or those in the loft can heat up very quickly.

5. Switch off electronic devices

Constant heat is generated by other devices such as televisions or computers. So you should completely unplug electrical devices from the mains whenever they're not in use.

You should put off charging devices until night-time.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a larger balcony or a garden. Damp laundry increases the humidity in your home. Your body perceives this as warmer than dry air would feel. Outdoors, clothing dries faster anyway in hot weather.

7. Don't eat too much

A large meal makes you tired and can make you sweat even more. It's smarter to eat several small meals throughout the day instead. Also avoid fatty dishes, as they take longer to digest and could leave you feeling uncomfortable. Simple meals tend to taste better to us in summer anyway, which is generally confirmed by the exceptions to the rule.

8. Always remember sun protection

UV rays increase your risk of skin cancer and cause irreparable damage to your skin. Premature skin ageing - pigmentation spots and wrinkles - are also consequences of UV rays. Don't forget - your skin never forgets!

So always apply sunscreen with a high SPF before you go outside, even on days that aren't sunny. It's best to reapply sun protection every two hours, especially if you're at the swimming pool.

9. Take a break in air-conditioned rooms

It helps to take a break in an air-conditioned 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. Alcoholic drinks

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

The effects of alcoholic drinks can also make you less alert: who hasn't lost track of time because of it before?

11. Think of your fellow Salzgitter residents

You shouldn't just think of yourself, as others matter too.

Warm weather can be genuinely dangerous for small children, older people or those with chronic illnesses: watch out for signs of heat exhaustion, such as vomiting, dizziness, headaches or nausea, in your everyday life.

If someone shows these signs, help as much as you can!

12. Cars in summer

Never leave your pets or children in parked cars: even in parked cars, temperatures can rise rapidly!

This issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, and sometimes even forgotten altogether. It's dangerous for both people and animals to be stuck in a closed vehicle for too long on hot days, as the temperature can rise to very high levels within minutes.

Even more tips for the Hannover-Braunschweig-Göttingen-Wolfsburg metropolitan region

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

• Spending money on portable fans or misting sprays is worthwhile, as you can use them again every summer.

• Sources of heat should be eliminated and your home should be well ventilated.

• Prepare cold dishes or snacks in advance, so you don't need to use the cooker when it's too hot.

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

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

• Try not to do any sport in the heat - no matter how hard it is to resist - except for swimming.

At the Thermalsolbad Salzgitter-Bad in Salzgitter, you should get through the summer very well - especially if you follow this advice.

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

Always have fun and stay cool!