How To Keep Cool This Summer

Posted by Jamie McKay on June 9, 2023

We’re currently set for another scorching summer, much like last year’s if you remember the record high of 40.3 degrees Celsius! We relished in the heat by firing up the barbecue, filling up the paddling pool, and getting the inevitable Drumstick Squashie-esque sunburn… owch!

Of course, when a billowing heat surrounds you, you might feel like you might not have much choice in the matter than to feel “roasting”. Heatwaves in the UK can feel a lot worse for many reasons.

One reason is that most buildings in Britain aren’t designed to keep people cool, with many houses not having air conditioning, but rather central heating and radiators for our weather every other day of the year.

Additionally, the humidity in Britain is often higher than in hot countries, which can make the heat feel more oppressive and claggier.

When weather conditions are like this, they can become a risk to your health. In record-high temperatures, you can be susceptible to overheating. Symptoms of these include:

• Headaches
• Tiredness
• Confusion and other behavioural changes
• Feeling sick
• Feeling dizzy, weak, or faint (and even fainting)
• Muscle spasms or cramps
• Swollen ankles
• Thirstiness

And in severe heat, you may be at risk of heat stroke, which if left untreated, can be fatal.

Those who are less mobile or living with conditions like dementia could find it harder to keep cool in simmering heat.

That’s why Ability Superstore wants to help you keep cool this summer. Here are some of our top tips and some products that can help you beat the heat:

Keep Hydrated

 

The best thing for you to drink on hot days is simple, pure, cool water. Although you may be tempted to get in the beer garden, it’s best to avoid alcohol as it dehydrates the body (Not even a shandy can save you now!).

We’ve got a handy gadget here that keeps cool water on you at all times, the Collapsible Water Bottle.

Fast to fill up and easy to drink from, this makes the perfect companion for hot days. The clip can attach to any pair of trousers, jacket, belt, or bag with ease, making sure that you can have a cool drink wherever you go.

It’s just a shame your barbecue isn’t that easily attachable!

 

Seek Shade

It used to be the case that the advice was to avoid going outside from the hours of 11 till 3pm, where UV rays are hottest.

However, as global warming has caused more and more heatwaves, quite often the advice is to avoid going outside after 11am, as the temperatures start to rise at this time and continue to rise until after 9 or 10pm.

If you’re brave enough to head outside in the fiery weather, it’s important that you have access to a good source of shade, whether it’s under an oak tree in the park or a parasol in the pub.

Luckily with this, you can bring the shade with you wherever you go. The Adjustable Wheelchair Clamp is a fantastic mobility aid accessory that attaches to any wheelchair or mobility scooter with ease. With this, you can attach any umbrella you wish, allowing you to retain your independence, and most of all keep cool.

Cool, Cool Air

It’s undeniable that on hot, humid days as soon as you step outside it feels like you can chew and swallow the air.

That’s why they say when the inside of your home is cooler than outdoors, it’s best to shut your windows to avoid hot air (and wasps… and mosquitoes…) from entering your home.

For hot, humid days inside or out, this handy gadget can be of great use for keeping your face from feeling like a hot, melting marshmallow.

The Mini Mist Fan has an innovative feature of a cool mist being added in the fan’s flow, adding to that cooling sensation.

It’s small but mighty, USB rechargeable, and can run for up to five hours on a single charge, making it perfect for travel, or use on the go, such as in the car, on public transport, or even on the beach.

Thanks to its quiet operation, this mobility aid is ideal for use in the bedroom and won't disturb your sleep.

Simply angle the fan towards you and enjoy the crisp breeze from this fun-sized fan. For those who want a larger solution, another offering from Lifemax, the Rechargeable Foldaway Fan may come in handy too.

Keep Your Temperature Down

There’s nothing worse than wanting a cool drink, an ice pack, or a nice cold sandwich, only to find everything you brought with you to the picnic has turned into a slurry of hot mush.

Having hot food and drink on a hot day can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also raise your internal body temperature, leading to a risk of overheating. Look no further than the Home and Garden Cooler Bag.

This ensures whatever you put into it will stay the same temperature when you retrieve it. This home aid is also waterproof so there’s no need to worry about spills or leaks, whatever the weather.

Plus, it folds down into a compact size for easy storage when not in use.

Our Other Tips

• Avoid excessive physical exertion in extreme heat and have regular rests (easy on the Swingball, Dad!).

• Always apply suncream to avoid Drumstick Squashie Syndrome.

• Look out for your loved ones that may struggle to keep cool and hydrated.

There we have it, our top tips on how to keep cool this summer. We hope you find it to be of great use to you, and you have a happy, safe, and scorching summer (until British weather rolls around again…).

Ability Superstore on TikTok 

@theabilitysuperstore Here's our top tips on how to Keep Cool This Summer! 😎☀️🏖️ #summer #toptips #lifeadvice #disability #disabilitytiktok #abilitysuperstore #uksmallbusiness ♬ Bossa Nova, a southern steel drum

 

Get in Touch

How will you be spending your summer? Ability Superstore would love to know! If you have any questions or inquiries, please do get in touch. We will be more than happy to help!