Forget about cold showers: five myths about cooling down in the summer heat

The weather is still hot both in Ukraine and around the world. And in the face of high temperatures, it is very important to know how to keep cool.

However, most people believe common myths about how to deal with the heat. OBOZ.UA tells whether a cold shower will help to cool down and whether it is really worth refraining from drinking hot drinks.

Myth 1: Drinking tea and coffee will lead to overheating

In fact, this common belief is completely false: drinking hot tea or coffee in the sun will not lead to overheating. Scientific studies show that regardless of the temperature of the drink, the human body maintains a constant temperature. Therefore, drinking any liquid, regardless of its temperature, helps to retain moisture in the body, which is very important in hot weather.

Myth 2: A cold shower will help you cool down

At first glance, using a cold shower to cool your body in the heat seems logical. However, in reality, this method will lead to the opposite of the desired result. Cold water "tricks" your body into thinking it is colder than it actually is. This means you sweat less, while sweating is a natural mechanism for cooling the body. Thus, in extreme heat, this mechanism is extremely important.

Interestingly, a warm shower and damp cloths will help to keep the relief from the heat longer.

Myth 3: Air conditioners can cause illness

It is a common myth that air conditioners are a breeding ground for Legionella bacteria, which can potentially lead to illness. However, Setpoint 22 experts have refuted this myth, confirming that air conditioners are absolutely safe if properly maintained. And the likelihood of contracting Legionnaires' disease, no matter what the media says, is microscopically small.

Still, the fact that air conditioners are a great way to keep cool in the summer is a fait accompli.

Myth 4: The less clothes a person wears, the less they suffer from heat

Taking off your clothes in hot weather is not as good an idea as many people think. It's not how many clothes you wear that matters, but what kind of clothes. To suffer less from the heat, choose light, breathable, spacious, and light clothes.

In addition, it is very important not to expose sensitive or sun-damaged skin to direct sunlight to avoid worsening the damage.

Myth 5: It's better to sleep without a blanket in summer

In fact, a blanket helps the body maintain its temperature effectively. However, it is important to choose the right material. For a good and comfortable sleep, you should choose bedding made of cotton or linen: these materials keep you cool.

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