The Three H’s; Heatwave, Hydration & Hygiene

Here in our UK HQ we have been seeing unprecedented temperatures as the country is in the middle of the hottest, and longest, heatwave we’ve seen in the last 20 years! With roads in danger of melting and the MET office issuing an Amber heatwave warning, we now definitely know that Summer has arrived with a bit of a bang!

Now, not all of us love the heat but none of us can escape it whilst we stay in the country, so the best thing we can do is stay hydrated, cool and fresh to keep comfortable! That could be easier said than done (will we next have a drought warning?) but here are our top tips for keeping on top of your Heatwave Hydration & Hygiene this June!

Keep Cool

Yeah, we’re starting with the basics and it is easier said than done but keeping cool is one of the most important things you can do in this weather – not only yourself but children and animals too! A fan is essential if you’re stuck indoors, and sticking a bottle of iced water in front of it will chill the air being whirled around you (until it melts of course). If you’re out and about, a handheld fan is a good idea to keep handy, and it goes without saying light, loose clothing will keep you a lot cooler than something heavy and tight. Black attracts heat, so avoid this colour if you can!

Drink, drink, drink

We’re all told to drink at least a litre of fluid a day in normal temperatures but you’ll want to up this when it’s hot. Clear fluid is best such as water, but if you want a bit of taste, add a splash of cordial or go for a fizzy option (although plain/sparkling water will make you feel most hydrated as there are no artificial flavourings or colours).

If you don’t stay hydrated, you may sweat out more than you take in, which can lead to dehydration and symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fainting and even kidney problems if you let it get too far! Many underestimate how dangerous dehydration can be (and it’s worse for children and the elderly) so keep on top of everyone’s’ water intake as much as you can!

Sweat solvers

Sweating is something we all do but it’s often seen as a “taboo” topic – not so here! We know that sweat isn’t pleasant but it is essential as it helps your body to cool down and maintain a safe temperature. Sweating also expels toxins and cleans your pores. Unfortunately, with sweat comes smell, although sweat itself isn’t to blame for BO – the bacteria that lives on your skin and breaks down the acids in your sweat is to blame for this.

Keeping cool as above will reduce the amount you sweat as your natural body temperature will be lower. This in turn will keep you feeling fresher and more hygienic. Drinking more will also keep the toxins in your body lower, so less acid will be produced as you sweat.

To keep on top of any body odour you may produce, buy a good quality deodorant that has been designed to withstand hot temperatures. There is a wide range out there including organic products so do your research before buying, but remember the old adage “buy cheap, buy twice” is often correct – not always, but often. Also, a nice body spray will keep your clothes smelling nice and if you can, surround the room or space you’re in with a crisp scent such as linen or citrus fruits, as these will be more powerful than your own body odour.

Seek shade

It’s a well-known fact that the sun is at its highest between 10am – 3pm, and that is the time when people are most at risk of burning also. Seek shade during these hours and try and stay out of long spells of direct sunlight during this time to prevent yourself from overheating and potentially burning. By staying out of the sunshine and working to keep your internal body temperature down, you will feel cooler during this sustained period of hot weather.

Have you enjoyed the #ukheatwave so far or are you firmly in the “bring back Winter camp”? We find we’re split down the middle here at Vectair; some of us are sun worshippers and others are crying out for cooler temps and darker evenings. Whichever camp you fall into, remember to stay cool and hydrated through the day, and try to relax and recuperate as much as you can during the evening! (Oh, and try to enjoy it whilst it lasts – this is Great Britain remember!)