IF you’re struggling to keep cool in the hot weather, fear not, you’ve come to the right place.
Shoppers are legging it to get to their nearest Home Bargains store, eager to stock up on a cheap buy that’s perfect for warm nights.
So if having all of the windows open and blasting a fan in your face just isn’t cutting it, then you’ll need to listen up.
One savvy woman has shared her simple trick to battling the heat, and it’s all thanks to a 35p buy – yes, you heard that correctly.
Thrilled with her handy hack, Claire Foster took to social media to alert others, leaving many open-mouthed.
Posting on Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group, a private Facebook group with a jaw-dropping 2.5 million members, Clare shared her top tip – as she advised users to nab the HypaCool Instant Cold Pack.
Alongside a snap of her bargain buy, Clare, who is from the UK, wrote: “Originally bought these to use as I recover from back surgery but in the last few days/nights with the warm weather I had a brainwave and have been using them to cool myself down, forehead, back of neck.”
She confirmed that her instant cold packs are just 35p from Home Bargains, as she continued: “Single use but [they] stay cold for a good hour and really do help!”
The cheap buy, which you can also order online from Amazon, are intended to provide immediate relief from sports, travel and outdoor activities.
The ice pack activates when squeezed, so there’s no need to place it in the freezer.
It’s a quick, easy and mess-free method of cooling down an area, and although it’s intended for pain relief, and is great for sprains and strains, it’s also ideal for keeping cool in the warm weather.
It is recommended to apply the pack ensuring a cover or sleeve is used as a barrier between the cold pack and the skin to protect against frostbite.
Claire’s post was shared just nine hours ago, but has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly racked up 125 likes.
Social media users were gobsmacked with Clare’s simple tip and many were eager to stock up and give it a try.
I need one of these for my handbag
Facebook user
One person said: “Oooo I’m gonna get these!”
Another added: “Could do with this right now. I’m sweating.”
Hot weather is fabulous, a wonderful trip to the beach or enjoying time in the garden! However, when temperatures skyrocket it can become dangerous. Save The Children have compiled 10 heat safety tips for keeping children safe in a heatwave.
1. Light clothing, heavy suncream
Choose lightweight, light-coloured, and breathable fabrics (such as cotton), and use lots of suncream to protect you and your child from the heat and potential sunburn.
2. Drink lots of fluids
Remember to drink plenty of liquids, regardless of your activity level. Check your baby’s nappy for concentrated (dark in color) urine, which can indicate dehydration.
3. Get lots of rest
Try and limit activities. Make sure that children get lots of rest when they are active. NHS advises to “try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm”.
4. Keep children entertained
Children may become anxious or restless from being kept indoors. Plan for indoor activities and games.
5. Reassure children
Children may be stressed by the heat. Remember that children take their cues from their parents and caregivers, so try to keep calm and answer their questions openly and honestly. Also stick to regular bath and sleep times for your child.
6. House safety/cooling tips
During the day, keep rooms cool by closing blinds/curtains, especially in rooms facing the sun. Using a fan to circulate air in the room is beneficial.Review your child’s school sun policy.
7. Never leave children unsupervised in parked cars
Even in less threatening temperatures, vehicles can rapidly heat up to dangerous temperatures. A child left inside a car is at risk of severe heat-related illness or death, even if the windows are cracked open.
8. Stay informed
Listen to local news and weather channels for health, safety and weather-related updates.
9. Know how to identify heat-related illnesses
Look for signs of heat-related illnesses/conditions such as heat stroke, exhaustion, cramps, and severe sunburn. If children show these symptoms, seek medical assistance. Refer to the NHS website for a complete list, and how to remedy them.
10. Read the NHS guidance for babies
The NHS advises giving your baby a cool bath before bedtime and keeping nightwear to a minimum. Your baby will sleep most comfortably at room temperature between 16C and 20C, a nursery thermometer will help you monitor the temperature of the baby’s room.
A third commented: “It’s like you read my mind. I need one of these for my handbag.”
To this, Clare replied and shared: “They are really handy to take out with you. I’m a woman of a certain age so hot flushes can happen any time, anywhere.”
I put them in the freezer after and re-use as and when
Facebook user
Meanwhile, someone else penned: “Good call as my dog could really do with these beside him as he is struggling with the heat.”
At the same time, many Facebook users revealed that although these cold packs are intended to be single use only, they can be put in the freezer and re-used.
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS...
Keep out of the heat if you can.
If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
Cool yourself down.
Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.
Keep your living space cool.
Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
One user advised: “Put it in a jiffy bag and re-use. I put mine in the freezer.”
A second claimed: “I put them in the freezer after and re-use as and when.”
Whilst someone else recommended: “Put them in the freezer and use them as ice packs for days out after.”
Meanwhile, one mother tagged a loved one and asked: “Can you get a few for the boys if you see them please. Be handy for footy.”