How to cope with heatstroke 熱中症 in Japanese summer
Japanese summer is notoriously hot and humid. With humidity making 35 degrees Celsius feel more like 45 degrees Celsius. Humidity also makes the air feel muggy and difficult to breathe in and even the breeze doesn't feel cool or refreshing. It's no wonder why so many Japanese people, especially elderly end up dying from heat stroke or 熱中症 (necchushou) every summer!
How to keep cool and prevent head stroke?
- Stay hydrated! Many say to drink water but actually the most effective drink at keeping you hydrated is sports drinks like pocari sweat and aquarius! These sports drinks contain ingredients that help your body to absorb water and stay hydrated better than drinking plain water.
- Stay out of the sun and in the shade! Many people love to bask in the sunshine, but the sun between the hours of 12 noon to 5pm can be especially dangerous as it's at its strongest at these times. Avoid being in direct sunlight for too long when the sun is at it's strongest.
- Make use of gadgets! Things like parasols, cool towels and portable fans can help you stay cool. Parasols provide shade, cool damp towels around the head and neck can help bring your body temperature down through evaporation. Hand held fans can provide a cool breeze to lower your temperature too.
Make sure to stay safe in the summer heat and follow the above steps to prevent any illness!
