“Gyeongju 37℃, Miryang 36.9℃…”
Watching the news recently, my mouth is really hanging open. Even though it's only June, the whole country is boiling with 'heat cauldron'. It's hard to endure even a single day without cool air conditioning. I'm not the only one who feels this way, right? Even if you open the window, only hot wind comes in, and many people have trouble sleeping because of the 'tropical nights' where the heat doesn't cool down even at night. It seems like summer is coming sooner and getting hotter as each year passes.
It has become too serious to just say, 'Summer is hot, after all.' Why on earth is the Earth getting so hot? And most importantly, how can we protect our health and our loved ones and get through the summer safely in this terrifying heat wave?
Today, we will explain everything about heat waves from A to Z, from the causes of heat waves that become more intense every year, to heat wave countermeasure tips that anyone can put into practice right away, to foods that will energize our bodies tired from the heat! Check out more detailed instructions below!
1. Why on earth? The real reason why summers get hotter every year
“It wasn’t this hot in the old days…” This old person’s usual comment has now become a scientific fact. There are many reasons why the highest temperature record is broken every summer, but the biggest reason is 'Global warming' and 'urban heat island phenomenon' no see.
first Global Warming Carbon dioxide (CO₂) or methane (CH₄) The same greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases act as if they were wrapping the Earth like a thick vinyl house. The heat coming from the sun passes through, but the heat received by the Earth cannot escape back into space and is trapped in the atmosphere. As a result, the average temperature of the Earth is rising, and heat waves are coming more frequently and more intensely.
Another one, 'Urban heat island phenomenon' We can't ignore that. The countryside has a lot of trees and soil, so even if it absorbs sunlight, the heat is naturally dispersed, but the city is covered with asphalt roads and concrete buildings, so it absorbs more sunlight and stores the absorbed heat for a long time. In addition, the artificial heat from car exhaust and air conditioner outdoor units is added, so the city becomes 2-5℃ hotter than the surrounding countryside. That's why on midsummer nights, the city becomes a stuffy place where you can't sleep.
It's important to remember that these climate and environmental changes combine to create a reality where summers come earlier and more frighteningly every year.
2. Heatwave Alert! 5 Survival Tips You Should Practice Right Now
Now that you know the cause of heat waves, you should know how to actually prepare for them. The most dangerous attitude is the complacent thought of 'No way, nothing will happen'. To protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors' health, please remember the following five practical methods. There's also an implementation checklist at the end of the article, so read through it all!
Drink water 'consciously' often : When you feel thirsty, your body may already be dehydrated. Before you feel thirsty, drink at least one cup of water every 30 minutes to replenish your water. However, it is better to avoid coffee and green tea that contain a lot of sugar or promote diuresis.Avoid the hottest times (12pm - 5pm) : The sun is at its strongest during this time. If you must go out, rest in the shade and keep your activities short and safe.Make your home a 'cool fortress' : Use blackout curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight, and use air conditioners or electric fans effectively to maintain the indoor temperature at 26-28℃. Regularly cleaning the air conditioner filter will improve the cooling effect. When cooking in the kitchen, use a microwave oven instead of a gas stove to reduce indoor heat.The clothing is 'light and bright' : Dark-colored clothing can absorb heat and make you feel hotter. Wear loose-fitting clothing made of white or pastel colors, breathable cotton or linen, and always wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses when going outside.Checking on the vulnerable : Heat waves are more dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases who have difficulty regulating their body temperature. Small attention such as checking on the health of vulnerable people around you by calling or visiting them and helping them can prevent major accidents. For more detailed heat wave behavior tips, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention heat-related illness emergency measures
3. Health food is better than medicine! Foods you must eat during heat waves
In hot weather, you often lose your appetite and feel lethargic. However, in times like these, you can beat the heat by eating nutritious foods. The foods below are very helpful in cooling your body and replenishing your energy.
watermelon : It contains more than 90% of moisture, making it excellent for quenching thirst, and the citrulline component helps eliminate waste products from the body. Lycopene protects the skin from UV rays.cucumber : It lowers body temperature and is rich in potassium, which helps excrete sodium and maintains body balance. It is good to enjoy in cucumber soup or salad.Samgyetang : Warm chicken, ginseng, and jujubes will invigorate your body tired from the heat. Eating them while sweating will boost your metabolism.plum : It is rich in organic acids and citric acids, so it is good for recovering from fatigue and is also effective in preventing food poisoning. A cup of cool plum tea will relieve both thirst and fatigue. [View Food and Drug Administration food poisoning prevention information] green gram : It is a traditional health food that is good for reducing fever and diuresis, and cools the body down. We recommend mung bean porridge or mung bean pancakes.balloon flower : It helps with bronchial health and has a calming effect, making it great for relieving stress caused by the heat. Enjoy it as a side dish or tea.egg plant : It helps to reduce body heat and improve blood circulation. It is good to eat it grilled or made into a vegetable dish.bean sprout : Rich in vitamins and minerals, it helps lower body temperature. Bean sprout soup is a representative summer tonic.Watermelon rind : It contains surprisingly rich nutrients, and when made into tea and drunk, it has a detoxifying effect.banana : Rich in potassium and vitamin B6, it replenishes electrolytes lost through sweat and provides energy. It is easy to eat and recommended as a summer snack.
4. This is a must! The ultimate checklist for heatwave preparation
Let's check one last time to see if you are putting into practice what we told you today!
✅ Did you drink more than 8 glasses of water a day before you felt thirsty?
✅ Did you avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during the hottest time of the day (12 PM - 5 PM)?
✅ Are you blocking indoor sunlight with curtains/blinds?
✅ Are you wearing bright, loose-fitting clothes, a hat, or sunglasses?
✅ Is the air conditioner filter clean?
✅ Have you looked after vulnerable groups around you, such as the elderly and children?
✅ Do you know the symptoms of heat-related illness (dizziness, headache, nausea, etc.)?
Heat waves are no longer a seasonal phenomenon to be endured, but rather a social disaster for which we must prepare. Stay safe and healthy this summer with JDD Blog!
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