Mucho calor es bueno

You may have seen in the news recently that the UK had the hottest July since records began. People moaned, roads melted, rails buckled etc. etc. Pretty normal here to have temperatures over 37°c at this time of year. You don't see me moaning. I simply use common sense. If you are lacking common sense I have included some helpful tips below.

Factoid: Spain has a National Heatwave Plan. It gives the following advice to deal with the heat:-

Protect yourself from the sun and the heat

Control the temperature at home:

• During the hours of sunlight, keep the blinds of the windows down if the sun shines on them.

• Open your windows at night to keep the house cool.

• Stay in the coolest rooms.

• Use air-conditioning to keep the atmosphere cool. If you do not have air conditioning, try to spend at least two hours a day in air-conditioned places (shopping centres, cinemas...).

• Take frequent cool showers.

Avoid direct sunlight in the street:

• Wear a hat or cap.

• Use light (such as cotton), light-coloured clothes which are not close-fitting.

• Try to walk in the shadow, use a parasol at the beach and rest in cool places in the street or in closed spaces that are air-conditioned.

• Carry water with you and drink often.

• Wet your face a little, and even your clothes.

• Take care when driving at the hottest times and never leave children in the car with the windows up.

Limit your physical activity at the hottest times of the day

• Avoid going out at midday , which is the hottest time of the day.

• Reduce strenuous activities.

Drink a lot and watch what you eat

• Drink as much water and fruit juice as you can, even when you are not thirsty.

• Do not drink alcohol.

• Avoid very hot food and food with a lot of calories.