Hearing about a heatwave fills us with excitement, but when it hits the reality is often starkly different to what we had imagined. You're lethargic, sweaty and reluctant to leave the house and enjoy the sun, instead lusting after feeling cool and refreshed. Here are some of the top easiest ways to keep cool when going to the local pool is just too much effort...

The first tip is one that you can do well before the heatwave arrives. Don't just fill up your ice cube trays, instead empty them back into the freezer and then fill them up again to make double the amount; they'll keep their shape and you won't have to wait hours for your next icy drink. Speaking of cool water, run your wrists and/or ankles under cold water for a minute. This is where the veins are closest to the surface of the skin and running them under cold water cools your blood down. Try filling the bathtub with enough cold water to cover your feet and every now and then throwing in a few ice cubes. Your family can then go in and out to cool themselves down throughout the day.

Heatstroke is always a risk during heatwaves, especially for children and the elderly, so keep them stocked up with cool drinks and plenty of shade. Adults should always avoid alcohol, despite how tempting it is to have an ice cold beer. It's a misleading substance as the coolness does cool you down, but it actually dehydrates you faster and stops your body from controlling its own heat properly. If you are going to have alcohol then have a cold glass of water between each drink.

Food is not always on the top of everyone's minds during especially hot weather, but we do need to eat something. Water filled fruit and veg is perfect for hot summer days, so cut up melon, pineapple, apples and oranges and keep them in the fridge as a fruit salad that everyone can dip into. Often barbecue food that can be left to go cold and still eat is good, such as rice, coleslaw, potato salad and hard boiled eggs with various cooked meats.

You might want to keep all the windows and curtains open, but in fact closing blinds with the windows open behind is the best way to get air circulating. Get a through-breeze going by opening windows at the front and back of the house. Also, even technology needs a bit of help from time to time in the heat. Don't put laptops on cushions, bed covers or thick carpets as the air from the cooling fan can't escape. Instead, get a large book to place underneath it as an even surface that doesn't suffocate.

Much of keeping cool during a heatwave is common sense; stay out of the sun and keep hydrated. If you or anyone in your family is vomiting, with a headache, flushed cheeks and confusion then you should seek medical help for heatstroke.

Stan Tian

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