12 Tips Against the Heat in Worms

It's not just in Worms am Rhein that the height of summer is approaching. Some people find summer difficult, but just as many look forward to it. In Worms in Rhineland-Palatinate, with its population of around 80,000, there are simple steps you can take to make summer more enjoyable.

Some measures may be well known, while others are helpful and new. Knowing the dangers of high temperatures in Worms and knowing the solutions to them are two different things.

Our 12 tips for the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is actually completely natural: during summer, especially outdoors, you should drink a lot of 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 this. Water is best, but herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can also help maintain your body's fluid balance. Fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages can make the feeling of dehydration worse, so they're not recommended in summer.

2. Avoid the midday sun

The midday sun is strongest between 12pm and 3pm. This is when the sun shines at its most intense. Stay in the shade and wear a hat.

Plan your day accordingly, for example going for a walk in the evening or morning instead of at midday when it's too hot. You can certainly postpone physically demanding tasks until a cooler time of day.

3. Dress appropriately

Your clothing should cover as much of your body as possible and should be light, loose and pale in colour. This keeps you cool while protecting you from harmful sun rays.

Natural fabrics such as linen, silk or cotton are best for summer. These natural fabrics 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 hotter. The more often you change clothes, the better - because of sweating. You should prepare early, as summer arrives faster than you think.

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.

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

5. Switch off electronic devices

Constant heat is generated by other devices such as PCs or televisions. That's why you should completely switch off electrical devices whenever they're not needed.

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

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... if you have a garden or a larger balcony. Damp washing leads to increased humidity in rooms, which the body perceives as warmer than dry air. Clothes dry faster outdoors 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. Fatty meals take longer to digest, which could make you feel uncomfortable. Light meals tend to taste better in summer anyway, as the exceptions usually confirm.

8. Always remember sun protection

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

Don't forget sun cream with a high SPF whenever you go outside, no matter how cloudy it is. Especially at the outdoor pool, you should reapply sun protection at least every two hours.

9. Take frequent breaks in air-conditioned rooms

On really hot days, it can be wise to take a break in an air-conditioned room now and then to cool down. This could be various places: the supermarket, the library, or your own flat, as long as it has a cellar or air conditioning.

10. Watch out - alcohol

During hot weather, you should try to avoid alcoholic drinks, as they have a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcohol, make sure you always order a glass of water alongside it.

Furthermore, the effects of alcoholic drinks make you less alert: everyone has lost track of time at some point because of it.

11. Your fellow residents of Worms

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

Warm weather can be genuinely dangerous for small children, older people or those with chronic illnesses: signs of heat exhaustion include vomiting, dizziness, headaches or nausea.

As soon as these signs appear, help as much as you can!

12. In the car

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

This issue is still dramatically underestimated and downplayed, and sometimes simply forgotten. On hot days, the temperature in a car can reach life-threatening levels within minutes - for animals and humans alike!

A few tips for the Rheinhessen region

If you want to get through summer well and enjoy it, read and follow these tips. Here are a few shorter ones:

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

• Make sure your home is well ventilated and eliminate any unnecessary sources of heat.

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

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

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

• Avoid doing sport in summer, however tempting it may be - except swimming, of course.

At the Heinrich-Völker-Bad: indoor pool with outdoor pool in Worms, you should be able to cope very well with the summer heat - especially if you follow this advice.

Eating ice cream is always a great idea, even better if you can sit comfortably outdoors under a parasol.

Always have fun and stay cool!