How to stay cool as the weather gets hotter

One of the complaints I bet every Nigerian has now is how hot the weather is these days. The situation is causing concern across the country as medical experts warn of its dangers on human and natural resources. And the excessive sweating and heath rashes have become regular these days, making it difficult for many, especially children, to sleep comfortably at night.

Below are eight tips for reducing body heat:

1. Drink cool liquids

Drinking cool liquids, such as water or iced tea, can help reduce body temperature by cooling the body internally. The regular intake of fluids can also prevent dehydration, which can increase body heat.

2. Go somewhere with cooler air

People can reduce their body temperature by moving to an area with a cooler external temperature. The body will lose heat by convection.

3. Get in cool water

Swimming in cool water, taking a lukewarm bath, or applying cold water to the body can reduce body temperature. In these cases, body temperature will decrease as a result of conduction.

4. Apply cold to key points on the body

Applying cold water or ice to strategic points on the body where the veins are close to the surface — such as the wrists, neck, chest, and temples — can quickly lower the temperature of the blood running through these veins. This allows the body to feel cooler.

5. Move less

The body releases heat when it moves. In hot temperatures, a person is likely to feel less hot if they avoid heavy exercise and limit their movement.

6. Wear lighter, more breathable clothing

Heat passes more easily through some fabrics than others. Natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, allow heat to escape from the body more easily than synthetic fabrics, such as acrylic and nylon.

7. Talk to a doctor about thyroid health

At times, high body heat may be due to an overactive thyroid. When this is the case, a person might also notice other symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, jaundice, and confusion.

Anyone who thinks that they might have a thyroid issue should speak to a doctor.