Urban Survival Guide: How to Cope with the Heat

 

The heat in Nairobi is sweltering! And weather conditions aren’t about to get any better. According to Accuweather, a site that monitors the weather forecast, it’s only going to get hotter and the average temperature for this week is forecasted to be a whopping 30 degrees Celsius!

Since the scorching sun will be around for a while, here are a couple of measures you can take to cope with the blistering heat.

Stay indoors

The best way to cope with the sun is to avoid it, especially between 12 pm to 3 pm which are the hottest times of the day. If you are outside, try to find shelter in a place with shade. Alternatively, wear a hat or carry an umbrella to shelter yourself from the sun.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) to prevent dehydration. However, avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol because they are diuretic- they dehydrate the body.

Apply sunscreen

Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays and prevent sunburn.

Use a fan or an air conditioner

Keep cool by turning on a fan or an air conditioner. However, if you don’t have access to them, you can stay cool by placing a damp towel around your neck and shoulders.

Avoid strenuous activities

Don’t engage in strenuous activities like exercises. Strenuous activities will cause your body to generate heat.

Eat small meals

Avoid large meals that are high in protein because they can warm the body by increasing metabolism. Instead, eat frequent small meals.

Get rid of unnecessary heat

Turn off the lights during daytime to reduce heat in a room. Incandescent light bulbs generate heat and thus ensuring they are switched off can reduce a room’s temperature.

Take a cool shower

A cold shower will cool your body and leave your body feeling refreshed as opposed to a hot or warm shower.

Wear sunglasses

Put on sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s bright rays. UV protected sunglasses are the most ideal.

Dress appropriately

Lastly, dress in clothing suitable for the weather. Loose fitting and light clothes are the most suitable.