by Paul Davis
As you have already discovered, summertime is grueling in Japan! The intense humidity can quickly sap your energy so much so that, if you don't take essential precautions, it can seriously affect your health. However, if you use some common sense, you should be able to come through it all mentally and physically intact!
At home and work:
*Keep the curtains closed on the sunny side of the apartment.
*Avoid opening the refrigerator for long periods as the harder it works, the more heat it generates.
*If you don't have an air conditioner, put ice in a bowl and use a fan to blow the cool air over you.
*Apply cold flannels or ice tot he neck and/or wrists to help relax.
*At work, find the coolest place - usually the computer room, which will have air conditioning and it's a good excuse to spend the afternoon browsing the Internet!
*At weekends, go to the cinema, the library, museums, department stores, your friend's apartment - anywhere that has air conditioning!
Fortunately, schools don't have a strict dress code - you don't have to wear a suit and tie to work!
*Wear loose fitting clothes - the air can circulate and thus help keep you cooler.
*When outside, wear a protective hat and if necessary, sun block (sunburn prevents the body from regulating body temperature and speeds up dehydration).
*Drink lots of water - fruit juices and sports drinks replace minerals lost through sweating.
*Eat small, light meals - especially foods with high water content like fruit and vegetables.