Disclaimer: Nothing in this article is meant to give medical advice. If you are going to be out in the heat, please consult your doctor.
Two weeks ago we attended an event in triple digit heat. Even though our tent provided good shade inside, everything was hot to the touch…the glass in our display cases, the wooden stools, the frame on my glasses…everything. Fortunately, this event was a non-period event and we had the luxury of electricity so we were able to have a fan. Nevertheless, I would like to share some of the non-electric things that we do to make us a little more comfortable.
1. 1. Drink, Drink, Drink. Did I mention drink? I can’t stress it enough. When we are out in the field during hot weather Vaunda and I make it a point to remind ourselves and each other to have another bottle of water. If you don’t drink, you can’t sweat, and sweating is how we stay cool. At the last event, my black shorts were white with salt from sweating, so we made sure to eat too so that our bodies remained balanced.
2. 2. One tip that we were given by a seasoned sutler is to purchase a garden sprayer and fill it with ice and water. We take a quilt and wrap it around the sprayer and put it in a burlap sack so as to make it look period. We use the sprayer to mist ourselves down. It really makes a difference in keeping cool. Wrapped in this fashion the water will remain cold for a day in triple digit heat or possibly for the weekend if it is only in the 90s. A word of caution…get a brand new sprayer for this. Never use one that has had pesticides or garden chemicals in it. No matter how clean you think it is, why take a chance?
3. 3. Use what is available. We recycle the water that is drained from our cooler. This cold water goes into our sprayer or it is used for sponge bathing or for cooling down. We keep a supply of flour sack towels around. These are available for sale at hobby and/or sewing stores. In addition to bathing, they can be used for cold compresses or placed around the neck for cooling.
4. 4. Evaporating water helps to cool you. Sweat does this, but sometimes cool water is even better. I was at one event where the men were going shirtless. This was not only taboo by 19th century standards, but there are better ways to beat the heat. Taking the shirt off, soaking it in water (tepid or slightly cool), and then putting it back on is a better way to cool off. I have done this myself when working around the home with great success.
If you experience any of the following symptoms you might be suffering from a heat related illness: fatigue, nausea, headache, muscle cramps, weakness, confusion or anxiety, slowed or rapid heart rate, dizziness or fainting, decreased sweating, or convulsions.1 Go some place where it is cool and seek medical attention. Remember that 19th century people were more accustomed to the heat than most of us are today. Also remember that the mortality rate was a lot higher back then. Don’t be a statistic. Be safe and keep cool.
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