The climate experts who spoke to us for our last issue couldn’t predict whether this year will bring another prolonged heat wave. But the long-term trend is clear. As Philippe Courtier, deputy head of France-Météo, said recently, “We can say it’s going to get hotter, especially in summer and especially in the south of the country.” So how to deal with the heat when it comes — for a few days or for weeks on end?
- First of all, drink a lot… of water, that is, and not just when you’re thirsty. Sweating means water loss and so risk of dehydration. In hot weather you should drink between 1 1/2 and 2 litres of water a day (say, a glass every hour). Lay off the booze during the day and cut down on tea, coffee and caffeinated soft drinks which are diuretics and so increase water loss. This advice about drinking is especially important for the elderly who feel thirst less than younger people. Also make sure very young kids have an adequate intake. Their sweat glands develop very slowly and so they can get very hot.
- Secondly, our digestive processes increase our metabolic rate and so raise body heat. Conclusion: better to eat small amounts at intervals across the day rather than one or two big meals. Fill up with watery fruits such as melons, oranges, even kiwis. Take extra salt to replace that lost in sweating.
- Thirdly, dress appropriately. I’ve often written in these pages about the necessity of covering up when in strong sunlight (skin cancer isn’t a joke). If you’re out and about between say, 10h00 and 16h00 wear a hat, efficient sunglasses and pretty comprehensive cover for the body. In terms of protection from the heat as such, opt for light-weight, light-coloured clothing. Go for cotton rather than synthetics. It absorbs sweat and when this evaporates you feel cooler. Light colours, of course, reflect the sun’s radiation. As to sunscreens, remember their effects don’t kick in until at least 20 minutes after being rubbed on so do that first application before going out, not when you get to the beach.
- Fourthly, avoid unnecessary physical effort — jogging, long walks, cycling. Even healthy younger people can have problems in hot weather; for older folks, especially those with heart conditions and other ailments, excessive effort can be very harmful. We hardy Anglo-Saxons often smile contemptuously about that post-lunch nap a lot of southern Europeans go for but it’s a good way of cooling down.
- Finally, a word about the most vulnerable members of the family — our kids and our pets. Keep them well watered and adequately protected from the rays of the sun (by the way, my friend Dr. Nigel Gittins points out that cats don’t drink much so need to be encouraged to do so
- and even put sometimes, however reluctant, under a cold shower). And above all try to avoid adding to the annual toll of family tragedies caused by leaving a child or a dog in a car on a hot day. This is a total no-no — even for a short time and with a window partly open. When it’s 30° outside the temperature inside a car rise to 50°. This can lead to heat-stroke, causing brain damage and even death.
Do enjoy your time on the sunny side of the street this year — but take care!
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