Home

Counting down the unhealthy ways to beat the heat

Release date:

2022-07-30 11:14

Source:

How hot has this summer been? In many parts of Guangdong, daytime high temperatures have hovered around 37°C—making it feel like a giant steamer oven. Under these scorching conditions, people are eagerly sharing their go-to tricks for beating the heat. But remember, staying cool requires a scientific approach—don’t let yourself be lured by fleeting moments of relief at the expense of your health. Are you falling into any common cooling misconceptions?

In the scorching summer heat, cold drinks have become everyone’s favorite. But did you know that drinking too many cold beverages can actually harm your body and even lead to serious consequences? Recently, a man in Heilongjiang ended up vomiting blood after gulping down an entire bottle of iced black tea in one go—fortunately, he received prompt medical attention. Cold foods and drinks can irritate the digestive tract, and there are actually quite a few people who develop acute gastritis as a result of consuming cold beverages. So, if you’re someone who enjoys chugging cold drinks all at once, it’s time to take note: when sipping cold drinks, avoid drinking too much or too quickly. Instead, opt for smaller amounts consumed more frequently.

Many people prefer to replace plain water with cold drinks, even pairing each bite of food with a sip of beverage—yet they may not realize that this "alternation between hot and cold" can be tough on the digestive system. Cold foods can irritate the stomach and intestines, and there are actually numerous cases of patients developing acute gastritis specifically due to consuming cold drinks during meals. Of course, when it comes to beating the summer heat, cold drinks aren’t the only option. You can also opt for cooling treats like mung bean soup, or brew teas using ingredients such as chrysanthemum flowers, peppermint, or honeysuckle to help dispel heat and refresh yourself naturally.

Chilled watermelon is a summer favorite for beating the heat, and every year during summer, the question "Can you still safely eat watermelon left out overnight after being cut?" inevitably sparks a lively debate. When we can’t finish a watermelon, we usually wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and stash it in the fridge—but does that really keep it safe? After all, bacteria are everywhere in our daily lives. And because watermelon flesh is rich in sugar and packed with moisture, once it’s cut open and exposed to air, it becomes highly susceptible to bacterial contamination. In such cases, refrigeration may slow down bacterial growth, but it won’t eliminate the bacteria altogether.

This doesn’t mean that overnight-cut watermelon is unsafe to eat—factors like the cleanliness of your knife, refrigerator, cutting board, and plastic wrap can all influence bacterial levels. You can make your own judgment based on the specific circumstances. As a tip, always use clean utensils when slicing watermelon, and if you can’t finish it, quickly wrap the leftovers in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When buying watermelon at the supermarket, it’s best to opt for whole ones rather than pre-cut pieces.

Many people return home drenched in sweat and immediately blast themselves with a fan—something that’s actually unhealthy. At this moment, their pores are wide open and haven’t had time to close yet, making it easy for body temperature to drop rapidly and potentially triggering colds or other illnesses. When moving from the hot outdoors into an air-conditioned room, it’s best to first wipe off the sweat with a dry towel, let your body cool down gradually, and then safely turn on the fan.

Sleeping under air conditioning at night without a blanket can be uncomfortably chilly, but covering up too soon makes you feel overheated—truly a frustrating experience. Instead, consider choosing a breathable mattress that helps maintain a cozy, comfortable temperature inside your bedding, enhancing your sleep quality. We’d like to recommend the DB-TG110 mattress, featuring a bamboo-charcoal fabric surface for exceptional breathability. It’s available in a standard size of 1.8 meters at an unbeatable price of 2,600 yuan—plus, it’s exclusively offered during Donble Mattress’s 29th-anniversary promotion from August 6 to August 21.

A Guide to Choosing the Right Bed for Kids—Remember These 3 Tips

Save the "phone addicts"—Donble Mattress protects your spine and supports your waist.