Tips for coping with heat

Oops posted too soon.

I prefer summer and warmth/heat for the few days/weeks we get than the wet, grey and cold winters that seemingly never end.

Sounds perfect management 😂🥵

Greciangirl

Bags.

What exactly is costochondritis.? Hope I’ve spelt that correctly.

I have scoliosis as well, but never heard of the above word.

Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects your ribs to your breastbone. It causes localized, reproducible tenderness and sharp, aching chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, coughing, or physical movement. While often linked to physical strain or coughing, the condition is generally benign and usually improves on its own within a few weeks or months.

I'm sure the body must get used to it.

We endured temperatures of over 40° for a week last month in the hottest part of France. One day it was 43° outside and high 30°s inside. No aircon, one piffly fan.

This week back in UK is a doddle because we've had far worse and our bodies are quite comfortable!

I do feel sorry for those who have to go to work in this heat. About time, that all work places had a legal 'high' above which workers had to be sent home.

I am so much more relaxed in these summer months than I am during the cold, dark winter months - even though I can keep my flat quite warm and cosy - just hate that darkness.

I find I can keep my flat at a reasonable level of heat, by obeying all the usual advice - windows open at night, curtains drawn at time sun is on those windows, fans in my living room and bedroom, etc.

As I use a CPAP machine at night, it is very important to keep the temperature in that room reasonable - I cannot sleep in a warm room at any time. So, have a fan playing on my bed, and note the advice that if you can keep your feet cool, it helps to keep the rest of your body cool. Just use a single sheet at night, with my feet outside of it. Have managed to continue use of my cpap mask throughout the heatwaves.

Everybody is advocating water. We have very hard water, so I depend on bottled water. Problem is all the supermarkets have run out.

CAROLINEANNE1

Everybody is advocating water. We have very hard water, so I depend on bottled water. Problem is all the supermarkets have run out.

Hard water contributes to your daily intake of calcium and magnesium- good for teeth and bones. Water in plastic bottles may leach out microplastics.

Our house has a south-facing garden with bathroom and kitchen at the back, so we live and sleep at the front, which is cooler. The blinds in those two rooms are closed to stop the sun shining in, but not fully. There's a slight gap between the slats for the breeze to enter the rooms as those rooms' windows are open. It seems to work unless the outside temperature is too high, in which case we shut the windows.

I also have a face towel soaked in water and wrung out. I either place it across my body (no shirt on in the house) or I place it on my head. I probably look a daft but I don't care - it works very well. In fact, a wet towel on your body / head would be my top suggestion if you don't mind being a bit damp (I don't). I used to do it in my truck when I had to sleep in this (during the day mostly!). I actually kept it in the truck's fridge with the milk 😁

I’ve been using freezer blocks that I bought for our picnic box. I keep them in the freezer and just rotate them. However, I’ve also bought an amazing little fan from John Lewis, recommended by my daughter, which was £12 and does a wonderful job of keeping me cool. You can hold it or it has a little folding stand. I saw several celebs had them in the royal box at Wimbledon, even Queen Camilla!

I place it on the sofa beside me and it keeps my upper body cool. You recharge it like an iPhone.

We are south facing and live with the rear blinds shut.

Bamboo bed mats.

My wife is Chinese and she educated me about these wonderful things.

You will not regret it.

First day of a sensible temperature at 24c here is south east. I shall enjoy the entire day without the need to retreat into the a/c living room - hooray.

Might even go for a stroll by the river if I can find time.

Pots to plant - gardening to catch up on etc.