When the hot weather comes, the Brits feel the need to enjoy every single second of it. Following are some of the mistakes Brits tend to make, and what they should be doing instead.
Not putting suncream
Wear sunscreen. You should apply it throughout the day. Getting sunburnt just once every two years triples the risk of melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. You should regularly and generously apply sun cream even when it’s cloudy – and remember to do your eyelids too. You should not leaving your skin vulnerable to sun damage by applying sun cream too thinly. In order to stay protected, the researchers suggested holidaymakers use 3ml of suncream on each arm, the face and the neck, plus 6ml to each leg, the front and the back of the body. You should then reapply at least three times per day.
All-day boozing
The sun sends many of us straight to a beer garden or out for a picnic. And that’s okay. But the combination of sweating more in the heat, and going to the toilet more, means you’re losing more fluid than you take in. This is a fast track to dehydration unless you replace that lost fluid by drinking water.
Drinking more water
You are advised to drink around eight glasses of water per day, but you need to increase this quantity when it’s hot. Dehydration is caused by not drinking enough water. The general advice for curbing dehydration is taking sips of water, little and often, and gradually building up the amount you drink.
Staying out in the sun all day
Spending every single second of the day outside in a heatwave means your risk of ending up burnt, dehydrated, or with sunstroke are pretty high. Try to give yourself breaks from the heat – preferably between 11 am and 3 pm and walk or sit in the shade.
Thinking ‘less is more’ when getting dressed
Avoid tiniest shorts and tight vest for a day. Instead, it’s best to go for light, loose-fitting cotton clothes. And don’t forget your hat.
