People have various ways to deal with hot weather. However, some methods may be excessive and can potentially harm one's health. Therefore, when dealing with hot weather, it is important to avoid the following five things.
1. Avoid rapid cooling.
When sweating profusely, many people believe that it is refreshing to stand in front of a fan and blow air on themselves, or to turn on a tap and let cold water pour down their bodies for a "quick cool down." However, this rapid cooling method often leads to temporary relief but can cause discomfort for several days or even result in various illnesses.
2. Avoid excessive air conditioning.
Meteorologists specializing in medical research have discovered that it is beneficial for the body to gradually adapt to temperature changes by continuously adjusting the room temperature. The correct approach is to maintain room temperature between 26°C and 29°C, which is favorable for good health.
3. Avoid excessive water intake.
Drinking plenty of water is a good way to prevent heatstroke, but excessive water intake can also lead to poisoning. Especially in hot summers, when people sweat a lot, they lose electrolytes such as sodium and chloride. If large amounts of plain water are consumed without replenishing these electrolytes, it can cause muscle cramps or spasms. (Source: Health and Wellness, Ten Thousand Ways to Stay Healthy)
4. Avoid exposing too much skin.
Health experts point out that going shirtless or wearing revealing clothes only helps cool down when the skin temperature is higher than the ambient temperature. On hot summer days, the maximum temperature is usually close to or above 37°C. In such conditions, the skin cannot dissipate heat but instead absorbs heat from the environment. Therefore, going shirtless in the summer can make one feel even hotter.
5. Avoid excessively dark sunglasses.
Many people believe that the darker the sunglasses, the better protection they provide for their eyes. However, excessively dark lenses can seriously affect visibility and strain the eyes. Therefore, when choosing sunglasses in the summer, the standard should be lenses that allow 30% visible light transmission, with gray and green lenses being the best choices.
6. Ensure taking an afternoon nap.
This can help compensate for insufficient sleep caused by hot nights and ensure that one has enough energy in the afternoon.