高溫不只讓你出汗，更讓大腦「當機」
當溫度飆高，我們往往以為只是流更多汗、口渴更頻繁，但其實「大腦也在過熱」。研究指出，高溫會明顯降低專注力、記憶力與反應速度，導致情緒暴躁、甚至判斷力下滑。這也是為什麼路怒事件、暴力案件在熱浪期間更常見——因為你的大腦，正在努力「降溫生存」，而非「邏輯思考」。
不靠冷氣，也能打造居家「自然冷房」
即使沒有冷氣，我們也能透過一些聰明的小技巧讓生活「降溫」：關窗遮光、用冷水泡腳、冰毛巾圍頸等都是有效方法。專家更建議保持室內通風，使用風扇時務必開窗，否則會把家變成「循環烤箱」！外出時別忘記陽傘、水瓶與噴霧器——這些是城市人的「降溫神器」。
極端氣溫最怕的是孩子與長者
孩童與高齡者是熱浪中最脆弱的族群，因為他們的體溫調節能力較差，容易迅速升溫而無法降溫。根據《The Lancet》的研究，高溫與中風、心臟病與腎功能下降高度相關。你可能以為自己只是「撐一下就好」，但對這些群體來說，撐過去可能已經太遲。
藥物與高溫交互作用，可能加劇風險
別忽略你正在服用的藥物。有些常見處方藥會影響體溫調節能力，例如：利尿劑、抗憂鬱藥、抗組織胺等。這些藥可能讓你排汗更頻繁，或反而「不會出汗」，大腦也更容易升溫。千萬別自行停藥，而是該做好更嚴格的防曬與補水策略。
Heat Affects More Than Just Sweat
We often think of heat only in terms of sweat and thirst, but it actually messes with your brain. Studies show that high temperatures slow down your reaction time, memory, and focus — making you more irritable and less productive. This isn’t just in your head (pun intended): your brain is prioritizing survival mode over clarity, which explains the spike in road rage and impulsive behavior during heat waves.
Stay Cool Without AC
No AC? No problem. You can still beat the heat with a few clever tricks: keep your shades closed, soak your feet in cold water, and wrap a damp, ice-filled towel around your neck. Ventilation is key — when using fans, crack open a window to avoid turning your home into a convection oven. Heading out? Don’t forget your heatwave survival kit: an umbrella, iced water bottle, and a misting spray.
Children and Seniors at Highest Risk
Children and seniors are the most vulnerable during extreme heat. Their bodies can’t regulate temperature efficiently, putting them at higher risk for heat-related illnesses. Studies link extreme heat to spikes in strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure. It’s not about pushing through—it’s about protecting those who can’t cool down fast enough.
Your Medications Might Be Raising Your Heat Risk
Some medications can actually worsen your response to heat — even if you don’t feel it right away. Diuretics, antidepressants, and allergy meds like Benadryl can alter your sweat levels or even mute your thirst. Don’t skip your meds, but do double down on hydration and heat safety.
