With warm temperatures predicted for the weekend and until Wednesday, 12 October, the Herald has found six tips to help you cope with the heat, thanks to the manufacturers of Dettol.
Weather SA predicts the temperature in Randfontein will rise to 31 degrees on Saturday, 8 October, and then drop slightly to 27 degrees on Sunday, 9 October. There is also a 60 per cent chance of rainfall on this day. The temperature will then rise again to above 30 degrees from Tuesday.
According to Dr Letlape, Global Hygiene Council member, handwashing and hygiene advocate, “We suffer heat-related illnesses when our bodies aren’t able to cool themselves down properly by sweating and when sweating, sometimes, just isn’t enough. And when that happens, your body temperature will go up much quicker, possibly causing brain damage or negatively affecting other vital organs. The good news is that heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable.”
Do not leave children in cars
A car’s interior temperature increases very quickly, which is why you should never ever leave anyone, especially not children, in the car unattended. Children are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses such heat stroke which could lead to death.
Drinks lots of water
Drinking plenty of cool water daily is important and even more so when we are experiencing hot weather. Although we’ve all heard that we need to drink eight glasses of water, rather focus on drinking water more regularly rather than waiting until you’re thirsty. Since the idea is to drink more liquids, you can also consume other liquids such as 100 per cent fruit juice, but limit liquids that contain alcohol or lots of sugar.
Take a cool shower or bath
Taking a cool shower or bath might sometimes be a better way to cool off if it’s so hot that swimming doesn’t help because the pool water is too warm.
Stay indoors
If staying indoors isn’t something you feel like doing, then spend time in an air-conditioned place, such as your local shopping mall, public library, or museum.
Wear the right clothes
When you are in the privacy of your own home, wear as little as possible and keep it loose-fitting. When you go out, stick with the loose-fitting clothes – they will help keep you cool.
Sunscreen is your friend
Besides the pain and skin damage sunburn causes, it also affects your body’s ability to cool down and makes you lose body fluids.
Before you go outside, get a protective hat and sunglasses, and apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes beforehand. And take the sunscreen with so you can keep applying it.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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