The UK has just faced its fifth heatwave of the summer, with August temperatures reaching new records. These continued heatwaves have led to three quarters of the country entering drought conditions. Ruby, a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament advisory group, has some great tips for how you can keep cool in the summer heat.
As I’m sure most people in the UK know this Summer continues to be hot so far, with so much heat and chaos, many families and schools have struggled to cope.
Although we’re now in our school and college summer holidays, we don’t yet know if this will continue when we go back to school and college, but there are some simple ways to keep cool and useful top tips:
- If you’re struggling to stay cool on-the-go or at school, I would highly recommend buying a portable small fan to carry around, for the walk between classes or particularly warm rooms with a chill teacher, a small breeze, a hand-held fan can really help! (Make sure that if you use a battery powered fan, you dispose of any batteries appropriately)
- Freezing a water bottle – a maximum of three quarters filled up (as ice takes up more space than water) – and taking it out with you. Whether it’s hanging out with family, friends, travelling or school, work or even at home for the end of the day it’s a simple refreshing hydration break.
- Whenever you are in the sun – even for what seems to be short periods or in overcast conditions – use sunscreen. If you don’t like the texture of cream, you can use the spray version. Sunburn is not fun and long term; unprotected sun exposure can permanently damage your skin and seriously affect your heath.
- Ice creams and ice lollies are tasty and cold – PERFECTION!
Ruby
Coping in a heatwave
It can be really difficult to cope in the hot weather, we can feel uncomfortable or fatigued, but it can also lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke or other health conditions.
The NHS has kindly put together a guide with some guidance for coping in hot weather.
