The heat promotes summer activities, but our bodies should not be exposed to prolonged exposure to heat as it can stress the brain and other organs, according to the US National Institutes of Health.
Sweating is the body's natural defence mechanism to try to compensate for the rise in temperature, but if this mechanism fails there is a risk of overheating or overheating of the body, i.e. heat stroke.
Our body expels heat by restricting combustion, dilating small blood vessels, increasing sweating and speeding up breathing. However, in our efforts to stay cool at home, a few other means will also help.
- The first step is to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. The temperature of the water doesn't matter that much, although when it's not too cold, we drink more, as Wendell Porter, a lecturer in agricultural and biological engineering at the University of Florida, explains. Insufficient fluid intake and subsequent dehydration exacerbate the risk of heat stroke.
- Cool showers also help keep body temperature stable. If you add peppermint-scented soap, the feeling of coolness will be greater as peppermint menthol activates the brain receptors that transmit the sensation of coolness.
- Place ice packs on wrists and neck. These are the points where we measure our pulse and you will be surprised to find that the feeling of coolness is immediate.
- Place fans facing the window so that they channel out the warm air coming in through the window and replace it with cold air.
- Open the windows to allow a draft of air in the very early morning hours as well as in the evening hours when the temperature drops.
- Open the windows to allow a draft of air in the very early morning hours as well as in the evening hours when the temperature drops. During the day, however, keep windows closed as well as curtains on east-facing windows, Porter advises.
- Also make sure to sleep on cotton sheets, as they do not raise body temperature unlike synthetic ones.
- Prefer cooking in the morning hours and resort to refreshing snacks such as ice cream (in moderation).
Source.gr
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