Opinion | Your Say

Have your say: Beat the heat

Do you have any novel ways to beat the heat?

Gulf News
Published: 18:51 July 14, 2010

Image Credit: Gulf News Archive

What are some unique, quirky techniques you’ve developed to keep cool?

Tell us about it, along with your mobile number (for our records only), by clicking the ‘Post a Comment’ link below, or emailing us at readers@gulfnews.com. You can also send us your photos.

Comments (19)

Added 18:07 July 21, 2010

The Authorities should have at least let know the public of what is happening and what measures will be taken.

VPK , Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 17:46 July 21, 2010

Use heavy curtains at home, i do not let direct sunlight come inside the house. Sponge the walls and tiles with water. Make children wear just their inner clothes (cotton briefs and underwear) For infants avoid diapers, believe it the traditional cloth diapers are more aerating. Lightly powder the infants underarms & neck, this will not give them rash and avoid itching due to sweat, AVOID creams for children. Use a matka (earthern pot) for water. this will give u cool water to drink. Fill water in buckets (toilets/ bathrooms) for use as this will cool the hot water and also when the pump of building is off, u are not water less... hope this helps some of us!!!

Jumana, Sharjah, India

Added 15:28 July 21, 2010

1. Put dark green or dark blue curtains instead of the hard gold and brown curtains. Green and blue colors keep the room cool. If you dont have the curtains at least try to hang green/ blue cotton bed sheets on the window. 2. Drink butter milk or tender coconut. 3. Dip a hankey or small towel in cold water. Cover a hand fan with it and fan urself. 4. Try to limit intake of spicy non veg food. Eat cucumbers and water melon. 5. Wear light colored cotton clothing. 6. Take showers atleast 3 times.

Anonymous, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 13:10 July 21, 2010

In a central A/c building leave A/C on throughtout the night in all rooms, as it will remain cold next day when there is power cut. Also take some damp clothes and wrap over you.

Emaan Athar, Sharjah, Afghanistan

Added 12:52 July 21, 2010

drink lots of water and head to your nearest mall!!

Anonymous, birmingham, Afghanistan

Added 10:50 July 21, 2010

This is totally unacceptable. My daughter 17 months old suffering from fever, my wife was in zulekha hospital yesterday full day. Got bad fever, heat stroke. I dont know what to do and where to go. authorities dont have the courtesy to even answer their calls to even make residents calm and understand when electricity will come. My office management is upset because I have taken 2 days off from work because of this situation. can anyone please answer this, what should residents of sharjah should do now ?

Anonymous, sharjah, Pakistan

Added 10:20 July 21, 2010

in my view power loss is getting common in sharjah and nobody is bothered. whenever we call up sewa we either dont get connected to right person or if we get connected we get to hear strange answers. scores of people are suffering as they are helpless and have to live there as because of family responsibilities.

dr mueez, mumbai, India

Added 08:01 July 21, 2010

-drink plenty of water -eat dates & fruits -if possible drink sports water to maintain salt proportion of your body -wear comfortable cotton clothes -use sunglasses & umbrella

farzana, dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 07:39 July 21, 2010

Well, I found that the Hotels in my Area (Al-Nud) have uninterrupted power and I am fortunately member of one of the hotel's health club, so spent 2 hours in the gym yesterday evening. But passing time later was really tough. Did not go to sleep in car and chose to wait at home in hope of getting power sooner. I am told that MegaMall also had uninterrupted Power and there was heavy crowd. So many people that the food court went out of stock!! If powecut hits again today, will try the 'ear dampening' method as mentioned by jhel :-)

Anonymous, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Added 23:50 July 20, 2010

1. Drink lots of water, fresh fruit juices 2. black tea with lemon 3. fresh tender coconut water 4. Avoid using cosmetics, cream as it would block the pores of the body. We all breathe through nose and Also through small holes on our skin (pores). More sweating happens to push out the harmful chemicals from body, a natural cure to remain healthier. Reduce Soap, Shampoo usage. Actuall avoid them as much as possible and just Rinse Shower with water alone. You may take shower 2 to 5 times a day, before each prayer. 5. Less thinking helps. Thoughts like affairs at home / office makes one feel more hot. Prayer, Meditation, Yoga helps keep thoughts away. 6. Heat from Airconditoners are more harmful. The heat wave generated from those condensors remain for 3 days. 7. Heat is generated from moving vehicles like cars and bikes. Use Public transport. Help reduce heat for all. 8. Also less cars will mean less use of AirConditoners from Cars. It will reduce heat in the region, a lot. 9. Make as much streets as - NO Vehicles Streets - especially in residential areas. 10. Dress code: Use least clothing. Loose clothing. White colour. Keep feet open and totally avoid shoes.

rmurali, chennai, India