KEEPING YOUR COOL

November 2001


Author: Wendy Pryor


It's hard to feel beautiful when you are uncomfortable. As summer approaches, you may be dreading the discomfort that comes with it. Big girls are more susceptible than most people to the irritating and sometimes serious effects of heat. This is because our low area to volume ratio and our insulating fat layer make it harder for us to get rid of heat. This effect can be compounded if we are taking certain medications like antidepressants, tranquillisers and diuretics.


Heat-related illness

When the body's ability to shed heat fails, the temperature of the body's inner core begins to rise and heat-related illness may develop. Heat cramps are a warning that our body is in trouble, and this may progress to heat exhaustion and even the possibly fatal complication of heat stroke.

Skin problems

Sunburn decreases the skin’s ability to give of heat & hence makes us feel hotter. If you go outdoors, apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Heat rash (prickly heat) is caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters and tends to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases. Intertrigo is an inflammation caused by moisture and possibly infection in skin fold areas. It is common in larger people and usually occurs in the inner thighs, armpits, under the breasts and between the buttocks. Infection with yeasts (Candida) or bacteria may supervene, especially in diabetics. Candida infection (see photo) can usually be recognised by itching. If infection is a problem, your pharmacist can help with medicated powders & creams, and some may benefit from a naturopathic yeast-free diet.


SOME TIPS ON COPING WITH THE HOT WEATHER


Clothing

Fabrics: Natural fibres, such as cotton, linen or ramie and hemp (lovely but hard to get) are the coolest. They breathe and encourage evaporation of sweat. Even a very fine woven wool fabric can be quite cool. Semi-synthetic fibres like rayon & viscose are cool. Synthetics like polyester and nylon do not breathe and can be a bit like wearing plastic. Natural fibres crush but a blend with a small amount of polyester will make the fabric easier to care for. Woven fabrics are cooler than knits. Lightweight and light coloured fabrics are also cooler.

Styles: loose-fitting styles are the coolest and skirts (particularly with side splits) are cooler than pants. Sleeveless or capped-sleeve tops are coolest Wear as little as you can get away with at home. I wear nothing but always have a sarong or caftan handy in case of unexpected visitors!

Hats: a broad brimmed hat will keep the sun off the head and neck, but it can also keep heat from escaping from your body unless it has plenty of ventilation holes. Straw hats breathe well.

Shoes: Leather is cooler than man-made materials and sandals are cooler than closed-in shoes.

Undies: Cotton pants are cooler than synthetic ones and a panty liner may help to absorb moisture. Anti-chafing garments such as the pettipants illustrated can be made at home, or contact Jill Mowbray ( jill@heaven-sent.co.nz) about her celebrated “Walkeasy” garment, available in up to SSBBW sizes. Bike shorts may suffice, but they are often bulky and have a high synthetic content. There are chafe guards designed to be worn with or without stockings. Does anybody know a source for these? For irritation problems under your breasts, you could wear a cotton bra liner (www.amplestuff.com) or choose cotton bras.

Personal hygiene

Start your day cool and clean. End your bath or shower with cool or cold water to lower your skin temperature. Rinse very well. Use a clean towel to dry off, and you could use a fan or a hair drier on cool setting for the troublesome areas.
Everyone has their personal favourite creams & powders to prevent skin damage. Mine are Neat Effect 3B cream (antiperspirant & moisturiser) and Curash powder (zinc oxide). Avoid talc near the vaginal area as some people claim that even small traces of talc may be a factor in cervical cancer. Cornstarch is good for absorbing moisture and cutting down on friction, but may aggravate yeast infections. Athletes use lubricants to prevent chafing. You could check out the sports stores for these.
It’s a good idea to get some air circulating in skin folds whenever possible. Use a bathroom break to lift your breasts or tummy to expose the area to air. Gently dab to remove moisture.

Food & drink

Put less fuel on your inner fires by avoiding hot and heavy meals.
During hot weather you will need to drink more liquid than your thirst indicates. By the time you are thirsty, you are already a little dehydrated. Liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Small quantities of fruit juice and sports drinks along with water are good for maintaining fluid & salt balance but water alone is fine as long as you are eating. Salt tablets are not a good idea except on medical advice.

Activity

Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. If you feel unwell, stop immediately & get into a cool area and rest.
Exercise in an air-conditioned building if possible.
Increase your fluid intake if exercising.
Walk in the shade & use a parasol.
Go swimming.

Personal cooling

The StayCool Neckband (illustrated) is made of a cotton fabric filled with highly absorbent non-toxic crystals that fill with water. The water slowly evaporates over about 4 - 7 days helping to cool the body. This REALLY WORKS but you don’t have to get it from the USA at great expense. Just make a long sausage from cotton fabric and put in about 2 teaspoons of pot plant water crystals. Soak it in water till it expands and tie it around your neck with a bandanna.

A small fan on your face or under your skirt is cooling, especially if you use a neckband or spray yourself with water.

Environment

Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness. Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness. Consider visiting a shopping mall or public library for a few hours if you don’t work in an air-conditioned environment.
If you don’t have air conditioning at home, try to get maximum ventilation and cover windows when they are exposed to direct sunlight.

Your suggestions

I hope some of these tips are helpful, but if you have any more, I am sure we would all like to see them on the message board.



Message Board & Personals / Chat Room / Photo Albums / Guestbook / Big Issues with Wendy Pryor / Books / Stories from vistors / Poetry / Fat Facts / Exercise Equipment & Miracle Cures / Size Discrimination Petition Form / Letters & Info on Discrimination / Australian & NZ Plus Size Stores / Australian & International Links / More About Me / My Art Site / Home

1