Heat is anything but harmless. According to a recent study by Public Health France, between 2014 and 2022, 33,000 French people died of heat-related causes. Last year alone, 7,000 deaths were attributed to it. Simple gestures allow you to protect yourself. A handy little guide as France prepares to return to temperatures above 30°C.
• Stay adequately hydrated
Dehydration is the number one enemy of heat spells. To cool down, our bodies sweat, releasing a lot of water in the process. To avoid overheating, you need to stay hydrated at all times. But not anyway.
Although the idea is very tempting, avoid drinking something frozen, with many ice cubes. The reason is simple: the body will fight against the sensation of cold by producing more heat. Another pitfall: alcohol, sugary drinks, coffee and, to a lesser extent, tea. All of these drinks can dehydrate more than they hydrate. Therefore, it is necessary to favor lukewarm water.
• Cold shower
As for too cold water, ice showers should be avoided. And for the same reasons. Assaulted by the icy water, the body seeks by all means to maintain its temperature at – approximately – 37°C, and therefore still generates heat.
Cold showers can even be dangerous. If the difference between body temperature and water temperature is large enough, there is a risk of thermal shock. Therefore, it is necessary to opt for a warm or slightly hot shower.
• Do not ventilate at any time or how
Ventilating your home can be tempting to bring fresh air inside. However, during the day, outdoor air is generally warmer than indoor air. During the day it is better to close the blinds and curtains. If the temperature drops in the afternoon, it is better to ventilate when the sun goes down.
Still in air management, even if the sweltering heat of the night might make you want to go to bed with the fan on, the practice is not recommended. The device will mix the air throughout the night, drying all the mucous membranes of the body: eyes, skin, throat… Which can make you sick when you wake up. Tip, a damp sheet placed on the window can help cool the room.
Source: BFM TV
