Do's and Don'ts to Survive the High Heat

Filipinos are no strangers to heat waves, extremely hot weather, and high temperatures. Summer is a highly anticipated season, even in the hottest places in the Philippines. Droves of people head out to go to the beach or on picnics to bask under the hot sun. While those are worthy pursuits, the heat can get too high and become harmful to human body.

PAG-ASA has recorded heat indexes within the extreme caution (33-41°) to extreme danger (52°) temperature ranges in 2023. At those levels, high heat can cause illnesses like heat strokes, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion. When left unmanaged, extreme heat may cause symptoms like dizziness, unconsciousness, discomfort, and, in extreme cases, even death.

To keep summer and cool water fun and safe, here is a list of dos and don’ts to help you survive the high and heat wave:

Do stay hydrated

Hydration is important on any given day, it could control symptoms of heat-related disease and it’s particularly more important in high heat. Some people make the mistake of only drinking water when they are thirsty during the mid-day heat. However, you tend to lose water faster in high heat through heavy sweating too. It’s important that you replenish to keep your electrolytes up. More importantly, water helps you regulate your temperature and ensures that all your organs function well despite the intense heat here.

Do keep your curtains drawn

If the temperature in your home is quick to heat up, then it’s best to keep your curtains drawn during the hottest parts of the day. This effectively blocks the sun and heat. It’s also an easy way to lessen your electric bill this summer since the constant stream of direct sunlight may force your air conditioning unit to work overtime in order to maintain a cool air conditioner enough for a comfortable air temperature indoors.

Don’t drink too much alcohol and caffeine

Coffee lovers may find it impossible to avoid caffeine in the extreme midday heat, which is fine. This is not to say you should cut off caffeine and alcohol completely. However, it is advisable to keep your intake in moderation. Alcoholic beverages and caffeine are diuretics (substances that promote urination), leading to dehydration during sweltering heat waves and hot weather too. It’s important to note that caffeine is also present in soda, tea, and chocolate. In high heat, water is your safest bet.

Don’t keep your house closed all day

During days of extreme heat, drawn curtains can help keep the heat out. However, you can crack some windows open at night to let in the evening breeze to help cool you down. If high walls and security devices surrounding your house are in place, you can even leave a door open, especially when you have a screen door installed before the main door. Opening window air conditioners and using fans to push hot air outdoors is also a quick and easy way to create your own exhaust system and home cooler air conditioning too. When hot air goes out, cooler air naturally gets drawn in and helps you survive a hot summer season at home.

Don’t take hot showers

If you are used to using air conditioning and a fan and taking steamy showers, it might be a good idea to turn the fan and the heater off and take a cold shower instead. Cold showers can lower your surface body temperature, keeping you sweat-free longer. Cold showers can also encourage your blood vessels and constrict dry skin, so less air flow to your skin also keeps moisture more effectively.Do plan your outside trips more intentionally

One of the best ways to survive the high heat is by using cool showers and staying cool indoors. However, when you do have to work outdoors, go out for errands, or commute, try to schedule it around times when temperatures aren’t too hot, such as early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

If you’re itching for a summer getaway, consider going to spots that let you cool off instead of the beach. In the Philippines, there are countless destinations you can choose from, including Baguio, Sagada, and Tagaytay.

Do dress in light and breathable clothing

Some clothing pieces are better than others during summer. For one, clothes made from cotton can help you stay cool. Cotton is a good moisture wicker. Since heat and humidity make you sweat more in the summer, you need a breathable material that lets sweat evaporate faster. Additionally, opt for clothes in lighter colors since they allow the heat to bounce off excess clothing, while darker clothes tend to absorb heat and keep heat.

Don’t go overboard with exercise

Fitness is important no matter the weather. Although, it’s best to practice some caution since exercise typically increases your core body temperature. Working out in high heat puts extra stress on your body and puts you in danger of symptoms of heat exhaustion, lacking the ability to prevent heat related illnesses and-related conditions. To keep your wellness in check, take extra measures to ensure your safety. First, pay attention to the environment’s temperature and get acclimated to survive extreme heat. Take it easy at first and wait for your body to adjust to climate change and the external temperature. You can also reduce your exercise intensity and drink plenty of extra fluids to stay hydrated as you sweat.

Do choose a well-crafted home at Camella

One of the most important things to help you thrive in the hot weather of the summer is a well-designed house, and when you live in a Camella home, you’re guaranteed one. From the design concept down to execution, Camella ensures that you are comfortable all year-round. All our homes in Camella come with excellent ventilation, with windows placed in optimal areas to let the breeze in. Following standard ceiling heights, Camella homes also allow the air inside your home to circulate. There is also lush greeneries around our properties, giving a cooling effect to your home’s surroundings and providing you shade from the blazing heat of the sun. Plus, our roster of homes often takes inspiration from the lofty and refreshing architecture of the Mediterranean.

Enjoy Camella’s well-planned and resort-like amenities

Your Camella community is a great place for family members to spend scorching summer days and cooler nights. Camella communities offer a variety of amenities that every family member can relax and take pleasure in – all within the secure confines of the property.

It has safe playgrounds for kids and adults to enjoy. If you prefer the outdoors, think of tree-lined pathways for jogging or biking. Swimming pools are a cool place to let off steam with friends, sports facilities for keeping your body fit, and clubhouses and multi-function rooms for summer get-togethers – all communities of Camella are set up with these top amenities in place, guaranteeing a fun summer without the crowds of shopping malls, the hassles of traffic, and within the safety of a secured space.

At Camella, even the peak heat temperature, humidity, and heat stroke humidity of summer is not just bearable but even enjoyable.