UK households urged to freeze grapes today by public health expert

The rare red weather warning for extreme heat has been extended until 9pm on Friday for large swathes of south-east England, including London, marking the first time the exceptional alert has been issued for three consecutive days. A red warning is already in effect for parts of southern England and Wales, while a broader amber warning remains active across the country. There is no doubt that the sweltering conditions are being felt by all.

In what has proved to be a record-breaking June, the Met Office has recorded a provisional temperature of 36.4C at Yeovilton, Somerset, making it the hottest June day ever documented. This eclipses the previous day’s (June 24) record high of 36.1C recorded in Hampshire, which itself had surpassed the long-standing benchmark set in 1976.

With Britain currently baking in the latest heatwave to batter the nation, many are desperately seeking ways to keep cool without breaking the bank.

Fortunately, a Public Health expert at Birmingham City University (BCU) has put forward three distinctive methods for staying cool during this relentless heatwave.

Dr Ayazullah Safi, Senior Lecturer in Public Health at BCU, shares: “These weather events are no longer rare in the UK or Europe. As temperatures continue to increase, developing some basic habits around hydration, movement, sleep and heat management are becoming increasingly important for protecting both our physical health and wellbeing.

“Heatwaves affect more than comfort. They influence hydration, physical activity, mental wellbeing, productivity, learning, sleep quality and overall health.”

Dr Safi has revealed three distinctive tips to help tackle the exceptional heat — and they couldn’t be more straightforward.

Eat frozen grapes, not ice cream

Dr Safi suggests freezing grapes and consuming them as a method to keep cool during the heatwave, while avoiding unhealthy, sugar-laden ice cream.

The public health expert states: “[Grapes are] a great sweet treat for hydration and a healthier alternative to ice cream.”

Speaking to The Telegraph, Farzanah Nasser, a gut health nutritionist and author of The Everyday High-Fibre Plan, supported the recommendation: “During a heatwave, eating well can support energy, keep you hydrated and have a huge impact on how you feel. So many of the plants we eat are made up of water. Grapes are more than 80 per cent water. They’re lovely and give a burst of freshness.”

Grapes are packed with valuable nutrients including potassium and fibre, and ought to be frozen in a sealed bag or container for a minimum of two hours before eating.

Consume them when you’re experiencing the heat for a refreshing and cooling sensation paired with an intense flavour hit.

Generally speaking, grapes can be frozen and kept for up to three months, rendering them the ideal cooling solution for this record-breaking British summer.

Freeze your pillow

Another unusual heatwave cooling technique from Dr Safi requires freezing your pillow. The public health expert advises placing your pillowcase in a sealed plastic bag and leaving it in the freezer for 30 minutes.

He adds: “While it’s a temporary solution, it can help you fall asleep far more quickly by cooling you down.”

Cold water bottle

A hot water bottle isn’t exclusively for the winter months. Dr Safi recommends filling a hot water bottle with cold water and popping it in the freezer as an ideal way to beat the sweltering heat.

He also suggests keeping the chilled water bottle at the foot of your bed before retiring for the night, or wrapping it in a towel to hold against your body whenever you’re feeling uncomfortably warm.

Looking out for the wider community, particularly vulnerable individuals, is absolutely vital during extreme weather events such as this current heatwave.

Dr Safi says: “One of the most important things we can do is check in on vulnerable people.

“Pregnant people, the elderly, those with long-term health conditions and anyone who is struggling with mobility or accessing hydration may need extra support during this time.

“A simple text or visiting can prevent serious health consequences such as exhaustion and heatstroke.”

For those keen to maintain their fitness regime throughout this period, Dr Safi offers some straightforward guidance: “Physical activity remains important during the hot weather, but be careful to not place additional strain on your cardiovascular system.

“Get your exercise in before 9am or after 7pm, reduce exercise intensity if required and consider indoor activity during the high temperatures.”