Beating the heat this Summer

Beating the Heat this Summer

Australia is a beautiful country and, without a doubt, one of the most liveable, however, we do experience some extremely high temperatures at times, especially during the frequently occurring Summer heat waves.

During extreme heat, people can very easily become dehydrated and their bodies can overheat.  Signs of this are cramping, exhaustion or, in some cases, heatstroke and existing medical conditions worsening.  

Surviving in the heat relies heavily on planning for these weather events and knowing what to do when the heat reaches unbearable levels. Extreme heat doesn’t exclude anyone, it affects the young and the healthy as well as those at higher risk. 

People who are in the high-risk zone:

• The elderly aged over 65, especially those living alone 
• People with medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease or mental illness or those taking medications that may affect the way the body reacts to heat such as:
  • allergy medicines (antihistamines) 
  • blood pressure and heart medicines (beta-blockers) 
  • seizure medicines (anticonvulsants) 
  • water pills (diuretics) 
  • antidepressants or antipsychotics
  • The disabled and people with mobility issues such as those who are bed bound or in wheelchairs
  • Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
  • Babies and young children
  • Overweight or obese people
  • Those working or exercising outdoors
  • Or people who may have recently arrived from cooler climates
  • People suffering from alcoholism or drug abuse

Coping with the heat
If it’s just one hot day, a heat wave or extreme heat, here are some things to remember:

• Drink plenty of water
• Keep your body cool by having cool showers and by putting your feet in cold water
• Stay indoors and head for air-conditioned places such as shopping centres, libraries and community centres
• Use blinds and curtains to block out the sun
• Make sure all windows are open when there is a cool breeze
• Avoid the sun, especially during the hottest part of the day, and cancel or postpone outings
• If you have to go outdoors wear a hat, sunscreen and stay in the shade and take plenty of water
• Choose loose fitting, light coloured clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton and linen
• Eat small, portion controlled meals
• Keep a close eye on food temperatures and ensure all cold foods are refrigerated to avoid food poisoning  
• Avoid vigorous exercise, sports, renovating and gardening
• In the event of extreme heat, stay connected to news sources for regular updates

Having a stock of portion-controlled Gourmet Meals in the freezer will most definitely assist with the temperature control of foods in your kitchen, and minimise any chance of food poisoning. Gourmet Meals go straight from our pot to the blast freezer where they are snap frozen. They are delivered frozen and are stored in your freezer straight away. Getting the Gourmet Meals from your freezer to the microwave is the only thing you’ll need worry about, keeping the entire family healthy and safe during the heat waves of our harsh Summer.