UK households urged to freeze grapes today

UK households urged to freeze grapes today As the UK tries to free itself from the fiery grip of a record-breaking heatwave, a public health expert has shared some unique and affordable tips to stay cool. The rare red weather warning for extreme heat has been extended till 9pm on Friday for many parts of south-east England including London, marking the first occasion the rare warning has been issued for three successive days. Moreover, a red warning is already in place for parts of southern England and Wales, with a wider amber warning also currently in force across the nation. It's safe to say — everyone is feeling the effects of the heatwave. In what has been a record-breaking June (and summer), the Met Office has recorded a provisional temperature of 36.4C at Yeovilton, Somerset, making it the hottest June day ever recorded. This surpasses yesterday's (June 24) record high of 36.1C recorded in Hampshire, which itself topped the long-standing record set back in 1976. With the UK currently scorching in the latest heatwave battering the country, people are scrambling for ways to keep cool without spending a fortune. Luckily, a Public Health expert at Birmingham City University (BCU) has offered three unique ways of staying cool in this unforgiving 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 shared three unique tips to help combat the extraordinary heat - and they're simpler than ever. Eat frozen grapes, not ice cream Dr Safi recommends freezing grapes and eating them as a way to stay cool during the heatwave and ditching unhealthy, sugar-filled ice cream. The public health expert explains: "[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, echoed the advice: "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 contain plenty of beneficial nutrients including potassium and fibre, and should be frozen in a sealed bag or container for at least two hours before consuming. Eat them when you're feeling the heat for a cool and refreshing burst coupled with a vibrant flavour explosion. In general, grapes can be frozen and stored for up to three months, making them the perfect cooling hack for this record-breaking UK summer. Freeze your pillow Another distinctive heatwave cooling hack from Dr Safi involves freezing your pillow. The public health expert recommends putting your pillowcase in a sealed plastic bag and storing 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 colder weather. Dr Safi recommends filling a hot water bottle with cold water and putting it in the freezer as the perfect cooling tip for beating the heat. He also suggests keeping the chilled water bottle at the foot of your bed before turning in for the night, or wrapping it in a towel to hold against your body when you're feeling overheated. Looking out for the larger community, especially vulnerable people, is extremely important during unprecedented weather events such as this latest 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 individuals wanting to maintain their fitness levels during this period, Dr Safi has some simple and straightforward advice: "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."