Guide to Keeping Fela Cool in a Heatwave

According to the Met Office, a heatwave is defined as starting from 25-28°C in this part of England. It’s an extended period of unusually high temperatures.

• When he is sleeping, only use duvet cover, and not duvet as this may be too thick. His weighted blanket may be positioned just at his feet, rather than over his whole body, so it’s up to Fela if he wants to spread it over his whole body during the night.
• Use fans downstairs throughout the day.
• Position fans in a locked position in front of his bed to prevent noise when it rotates.
• Apply a hot flannel to his face.
• Offer hot teas often as the tea helps to cool him down.
• Offer foot spa with hot water (temperature no more than 37.7°C) as this will also trigger the body’s cooling mechanisms.
• Encourage him to remove his socks when he returns home. He will still need to wear socks in his trainers to avoid blisters.
• If trainers are necessary, use light cotton, ankle socks rather than thick, long socks. Fela’s sandals without socks are the best option as they allow air to get to his feet.
• Use predominantly cotton fabrics, and prompt him to remove layers of clothing as necessary.
• Prompt him to put on his cap when leaving the house to prevent the sun getting in his eyes.
• Ensure he is given water with each main meal as usual, and dilute his drinks with water to keep him hydrated.
• Use air conditioning when in the car. Avoid keeping car windows down except for brief moments as the pollen might affect Fela.
• Prompt him to hold cucumber slices over his eyes for at least 15 minutes if they appear irritated or he had been rubbing them. This has a cooling effect, and Fela seems to enjoy it.
• Ensure Fela has cooling foods such as homemade ice lollies using juice smoothies, melons, cucumbers, celery especially in salads but not after dinner as they can have a diuretic effect which could lead to bed-wetting.
• if Fela is sitting in his rocking chair, remember to close the blinds and part of the curtain, to protect Fela from the sun beating down on him since the sun is quite strong through the lounge window.
• Remember to close the bedroom curtains at teatime, to allow the bedroom to cool before Fela goes to bed.