5 expert tips for hot weather

Experts caution that traveling in high temperatures, especially in crowded cities or with a packed itinerary, can take a toll on the body. They dole out five tips to beat the heat while on vacation in summer.

- Sarah Stanley

1. CHECK HUMIDITY LEVELS Instead of just checking the local temperature, Dr. Heng Kiang Soon, a nutrition scientist and senior lecturer at Republic Polytechnic, suggests referencing the temperature-humidity index to better prepare for the heat.

The index is a measure that combines air temperature and relative humidity to assess how hot it feels. For instance, if the temperature is 32 deg C and the humidity is at 70 percent, it might feel like it is 41 deg C.

Dr. Heng says that when humidity is high, it is harder for perspiration—a means for the body to remove heat—to evaporate.

As a result, the body cannot cool down efficiently as sweat clings to the skin, creating a higher risk of heat stroke.

Weather apps often provide temperature and humidity readings. Apps like AccuWeather and Weather Underground come with additional features like radar maps and customized alerts. Both are available on the Android and Apple app stores.

2. OPTIMISE TRAVEL HEALTHCARE Dr. Ammar Angullia, family physician and managing director of travel health services provider ST&T International, advises travelers to get appropriate travel health insurance coverage and the necessary vaccinations for their trips.