WITH today set to be the hottest day of the year to date, here are our top tips for staying cool.
Dip in the fountains in Old Market Square. There is, of course, no better way to cool off than in cold water.
Have an ice-cream. There will be ice-cream sellers at various locations in the city, including Old Market Square and parks such as The Arboretum.
Stay in the shade. Parks across the city have various shaded areas near trees, ideal for those who want to keep out of the intense heat of the sun. Try The Arboretum or Victoria Embankment.
Wear lightweight, light-coloured cotton clothes. Heat is trapped by synthetic fibres but cotton absorbs perspiration and its evaporation causes you to feel cooler. The light colours reflect the sun's radiation.
Eat small meals and eat more often. The larger the meal, the more metabolic heat your body creates, breaking down the food. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
Keep hydrated. There are plenty of places to get a drink in the city. But you should stay away from alcohol, as this dehydrates the body. You are better off with mineral water or low-sugar fizzy drinks. Also, avoid drinks with caffeine such as coffee and colas.
And finally ...
Eat spicy food. Although this may be the last thing you fancy in hot weather, curries and chillies can stimulate heat receptors in the mouth, enhance circulation and cause sweating, which cools the body down.