Cool Ways to Beat Malaysia’s Heatwave

It’s getting too hot to trot in the city, with temperatures hitting a high of 38.4 degrees Celsius in most cities around the nation.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department had previously announced in April that the heatwave is here to stay till June.

So, what could this mean for the public? Well, here are some great tips to keep you cool in this heatwave.

Staying Hydrated

Are you drinking enough water? Rarely do we realize that our body is dehydrated when sitting in an air-conditioned room. Although the AC can keep us cool in these sweltering afternoons, be sure to drink water more than usual. Avoid sweet drinks that contain sugar instead, consider consuming freshly squeezed fruit juices or isotonic drinks. These forms of liquid are great alternatives to water and can keep you hydrated, nevertheless.

Keep Cool

One of the best ways to ensure your body temperature stays low in this scorching heat is to stay cool. This can be achieved by taking cold showers or applying a cold towel on the back of your neck. Of course, if you’re heading to the office these days then this may be a rather embarrassing routine for some of us. If that is the case, you want to head into the bathroom and splash some cold water on your face or consider having a spritz bottle with water to spray every time you feel your body heat increasing.

Limit Outdoor Activities

You’ve heard it time and time again, the skin is the largest organ of the human body. Sweating is one of the major ways of losing water and salt. Although sweating can help the body cool down, too much of it can also cause you to be dehydrated. However, if your job requires you to work outside the office, do take short breaks and find some shade or consider using an umbrella once in a while. This may not totally protect you from the heat, but it will certainly allow your body to cool down from time to time.

Plan Ahead

If you, like many, rather cook when the sun is out, you may want to mull over changing this routine. Rather, cook or bake home meals when the weather is cooler. This will not only keep you from sweating too much but also prevent your home from getting too hot. In fact, another way to keep in the cool air within your home is to keep your windows closed and only open them when the sun sets and temperatures drop.

Be Aware

Lunching al-fresco can be convenient for most who need to catch a quick puff or two but, be aware of your surroundings. In fact, the heat from the sun during your lunch hour is usually when temperatures are at its peak. You may want to have your meal indoors before going out for a smoke. Also, if you like to spend time in your car during lunchtimes, you may want to refrain from doing so, as your car is another place the temperatures can skyrocket besides your home.

Overall, too much exposure to the sun can cause vomiting, dizziness, clammy skin, headache, muscle cramps, sweating profusely, fainting, weakness, as well as low urine output. If such symptoms persist in children, seniors or yourself, consider contacting your health care physician immediately.

Source: 1,2