How To Keep Cool In Hot Weather

Last September was the hottest month on the planet’s recorded history. The effects of climate change have also been experienced in Malaysia. There has been an increase in floods, declining crop productivity, and rising sea levels. Having already gone through a heatwave in May and recent hazy weather, Malaysia forecasts the peak of the El Nino weather phenomenon to be from the end of 2023 to early 2024.

Don’t worry, there’s good news! There are many simple but important things we Malaysians can do to combat the hot weather and ensure we keep healthy.

Source: Tenor

Stay hydrated

This may sound obvious, but it’s worth reminding. Dehydration doesn’t only mean dizziness or headaches, because if you're thirsty, you're already mildly dehydrated. Consume at least 8 glasses of water a day. You can track your water consumption by purchasing a bottle that shows how many glasses of water you had, in an app such as MyFitnessPal, or just keep it old school by keeping track in your head.

Source: Tenor

Apply sunscreen

This is a tip that also keeps you looking good! Sunscreen prevents sunburns, skin cancer, and premature aging, all of which we are especially susceptible to during hot weather. During such weather, it’s best to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Broad spectrum means blocking out both UVA and UVB rays which can be harmful to skin. A sunscreen with SPF of 30 means it protects you from around 97% of UVB rays. Regardless of weather, it’s advisable to apply sunscreen everyday as UV radiation can still reach you on overcast days or even indoors.

Wear light coloured, light-weight, and loose clothing

Light coloured clothing are good reflectors of heat and light-weight and loose clothing allows air to circulate and are typically more comfortable. Cotton and linen are usually lightweight and gives breathability. Try to avoid dark and tight clothing which has the opposite effect.

Source: Tenor

Avoid sunlight exposure where possible

Staying out of the sun is the best way to avoid sun-damaged skin. We must be more mindful about our sunlight exposure during hot days. You can do things such as avoiding peak sunlight which is around 11am to 3pm, walk the path where there’s shade, or bring an umbrella along.

Source: Tenor

Keep your home cool

When the weather is hot, it can be felt at home too. Try to keep your home cool so that you are not bothered by the heat. Using window coverings such as curtains and shades can significantly reduce heat at home. If you are using an air-conditioner (AC) to cool the house, clean the AC filter for cleaner air quality and greater energy efficiency. For a more long-term solution, grow indoor plants, especially leafy plants. Plants release extra moisture from their leaves back into the air when their environment warms up, which reduces the temperature and helps get stuffy air flowing.

Want to know something else that keeps you “cool”, but this time from having less worries? Not having to worry about medical bills! For financial protection against hospitalisation, including due to heat-related illnesses, check out FWD Medi First and get unlimited lifetime medical cover and protection up to 100 years old.