12 Tips Against the Heat in Solingen

Midsummer is on its way, and not just in Solingen on the Wupper. Some people look forward to summer, while others struggle with it. In Solingen, North Rhine-Westphalia, with its nearly 160 thousand residents, there are simple measures you can take to make the season more bearable.

You're probably already familiar with several of these, while others might be new and helpful. Knowing about the dangers of high temperatures in Solingen and knowing the solutions to them are two different things.

Summertime - Our 12 Tips

1. Drink plenty

Drinking plenty of fluids is really a given: when you're out and about in the summer heat, it's very important to drink a lot, especially water. When you sweat, you lose not only water but also minerals, which is why it's essential to replenish them by drinking regularly.

Cramps or heat exhaustion can result from not doing so. Plain water is best, but herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can also help maintain your body's water balance. Steer clear of fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages, as these can make the feeling of dehydration even worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

The midday sun is out between 12pm and 3pm. This is when the sun is at its strongest. During this time, you should stay in the shade or wear a cap.

It's very important to plan your day well, so go for walks in the morning or evening, for example, rather than during the warm midday period. Physically demanding trips can certainly be postponed to cooler times.

3. Dress appropriately

You should wear loose, light-coloured and lightweight clothing that covers as much of your body as possible. This way, you'll stay cool while being protected from harmful sun rays.

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

Synthetic fabrics such as polyester should be avoided, as these materials don't absorb sweat, making you feel even hotter. Because of sweating, you should also change your clothes more often. Summer arrives faster than you think – so prepare early!

4. Always ventilate your home

When it's cooler outside, open your doors and windows. You shouldn't let any small critters in, though.

You can also cool down your home by hanging damp towels in front of the windows or using an electric fan. In loft flats or flats facing south, it can get very hot very quickly.

5. Switch off electronic devices

Even in standby mode, PCs, televisions and other electrical devices constantly generate heat. Always switch these devices off completely when they're not actually needed.

On warm days, it's better to charge your electronic devices while you sleep.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Wet washing leads to higher humidity indoors. This is perceived by the body as hotter than dry air. In hot temperatures, washing dries faster outside anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

Eating a lot makes you sweat even more and makes you sluggish. It's therefore better to eat several small meals throughout the day. Also avoid fatty foods, as these take longer to digest and could leave you feeling uncomfortable. Simple meals tend to taste better to us in summer anyway, as the exceptions to this rule usually confirm.

8. Never forget sun protection

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

Don't forget sunscreen with a high SPF whenever you head outside, no matter how cloudy it is. Reapply sun protection every two hours or more often, especially if you're at the outdoor swimming pool.

9. Take breaks in air-conditioned rooms more often

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

10. Be careful with alcohol

During hot weather, you should avoid alcohol, as it has a dehydrating effect. You should order at least one glass of water with every alcoholic drink.

The effects of alcohol can also make you less careful: everyone has lost track of time at some point because of it.

11. Think of your fellow Solingen residents

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

Hot weather is particularly dangerous for older people, those with chronic illnesses, or small children. Signs of heat exhaustion include headaches, nausea, vomiting or dizziness.

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

12. In cars

Don't leave your pets or children in parked cars: even on mild days, the temperature inside a parked car can rise quickly!

Year after year, this issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, and sometimes simply forgotten. Inside a closed vehicle, the temperature can reach dangerous levels within just a few minutes, posing a health risk to both people and animals.

Even more tips for the Bergisches Land region

These tips will help you enjoy summer while getting through it well at the same time. A few more tips follow here:

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

• Make sure your home is well-ventilated and check that all unnecessary heat sources have been eliminated.

• When it's warm, it helps to prepare meals in advance, saving you the extra heat of cooking.

• Keeping your curtains or blinds closed keeps the heat outside.

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

• Try not to exercise in the heat - no matter how hard it is, except for swimming in the pool.

At the Sportbad Klingenhalle/ Solinger Bädergesellschaft mbH in Solingen, you should get through the summer heat very well - especially if you follow these tips.

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

Stay cool and have fun!