With temperatures in the UK reaching 34 degrees and beyond, managing heat becomes tougher for many, especially those over 50. Alison Hammond’s simple, practical cooling hacks provide a refreshing boost to beat the heatwave with ease.

  • Use freezer hacks like chilled hot water bottles and rice-filled socks
  • Target major blood vessels for faster cooling relief
  • Stay hydrated and avoid peak midday heat

What happened

The UK is experiencing a significant heatwave with temperatures forecast to climb over 34 degrees Celsius, prompting health warnings for several regions. Rising heat poses challenges, particularly for people over 50, as natural physical changes affect the body's ability to regulate temperature efficiently. Experts highlight reduced sweating and blood flow as key factors diminishing heat tolerance in older adults.

Additionally, menopause adds a layer of complexity by disrupting the brain’s temperature control center, causing hot flushes and night sweats. Healthcare professionals recommend practical measures such as avoiding the midday sun, choosing loose clothing, and drinking plenty of water to manage these effects during hot spells.

Why it feels good

Alison Hammond, known for her lively TV presence, has become somewhat of a cult figure for her clever ‘heatwave hacks,’ developed in response to personal experiences with heat discomfort. These tips offer immediate, tangible relief that goes beyond the basics, combining simple household items with smart cooling techniques to ease the strain caused by high temperatures.

The most effective strategies focus on cooling areas of the body where major blood vessels lie close to the skin, such as the neck and underarms. Applying cold packs or chilled objects to these spots helps lower core body temperature more rapidly, reducing heart rate and soothing inflammation, contributing to a sense of swift and lasting comfort.

What to enjoy or watch next

For those looking to adopt Alison’s approach at home, start by trying her freezer hacks—fill a hot water bottle with water and chill it before applying, or freeze a clean sock filled with rice to mold naturally around the neck. These easy-to-make cooling aids bring refreshing relief without the risks of solid ice packs.

To enhance your cooling routine, consider prepping your pillowcases in the freezer or using a mist spray with ice water and optional rosewater for a touch of luxury. Watching Alison Hammond’s videos and tips online can provide entertaining and practical inspiration to help you stay cool, comfortable, and upbeat through the heatwave ahead.

Source assisted: This briefing began from a discovered source item from Good Housekeeping UK. Open the original source.
How Happy Read Daily reports: feeds and outside sources are used for discovery. Public stories are edited to add context, calm usefulness and attribution before they are published. Read the standards

Related stories