Heat Wave Hits NYC

It’s getting really hot out there.

Those dog days of summer have arrived, and New York City is enduring a serious heat wave, with temperatures soaring into the 100s.

New Yorkers are trying everything they can think of to stay cool. Everyone’s jumped into some cold showers, but experts have some cautionary advice about that.

If someone’s body temperature stays elevated for too long, it could lead to serious organ issues. While taking a cold shower might seem like a logical way to cool off, it actually doesn’t help lower your core temperature effectively.

“Jumping into a cold shower may feel good for your skin, but it doesn’t do enough to cool your core temperature,” say researchers.

When you bathe in cold water, blood vessels near the skin tighten up, which can lead to reduced blood flow in certain areas. As a result, your body tends to hold onto heat around its vital organs.

If the shower water is extremely cold, you’re basically triggering a “cold shock response,” and the skin’s blood vessels constrict rapidly, which isn’t great for individuals with heart issues. Though it’s not common, drastic temperature changes could lead to irregular heartbeats.

But let’s not panic—stepping into cold water won’t harm you as long as it’s not freezing.

To cope with this heat wave effectively, health professionals suggest staying hydrated by drinking lots of water, while steering clear of caffeine and alcohol, which can lead to dehydration. Wearing lighter-colored clothing and keeping curtains closed can also help minimize heat.

If you have a fan, there’s a smart trick to cool your space without racking up your energy bill.

Energy expert Les Roberts suggests that pointing your fan outwards helps create better airflow. “If you open a window or door on the opposite end, it allows for air to flow,” he explains.

For maximized effect, positioning another fan inward at the other entrance can draw in cooler air, creating a nice cross breeze.