Cooling Strategies Quiz

You’ve just come home from a hot walk and feel overheated. What’s the most effective thing to do first to bring your body temperature down?

• Drink a cup of warm tea to promote sweating

• Sit by a fan and place a cold towel around your neck

• Splash cold water on your face and dry off quickly

• Lie down in a room with the curtains open for airflow

Answer explanation

Sitting by a fan and placing a cold towel around your neck effectively cools the body by promoting heat loss and providing immediate relief from overheating, unlike the other options which are less effective.

You’re deciding what to eat for lunch during a very hot day. Which choice supports your body’s ability to stay cool?

• A large bowl of spicy ramen with a side of hot tea

• A grilled sandwich with melted cheese and fries

• A light salad with cucumbers, tofu, and a chilled drink

• A fried rice meal with sambal and eggs

Answer explanation

A light salad with cucumbers, tofu, and a chilled drink is refreshing and hydrating, helping to cool the body. In contrast, the other options are heavier and can increase body temperature, making them less suitable for a hot day.

It’s mid-afternoon and your room is getting stuffy. What action makes the best use of evaporative cooling?

• Close the windows to trap cooler air inside

• Hang a damp sheet over the window and place a fan nearby

• Use essential oils in a diffuser to create a fresh atmosphere

• Switch off all appliances and sit quietly

Answer explanation

Hanging a damp sheet over the window and placing a fan nearby utilizes evaporative cooling effectively. The fan helps circulate air, enhancing the cooling effect as the moisture evaporates, making the room feel cooler.

You’re spending the afternoon doing light chores at home with no AC. Which outfit offers the most comfort and heat relief?

• Dark cotton leggings and a sleeveless black tank top

• White linen shirt and loose shorts

• Grey polyester sports T-shirt and running tights

• Oversized denim shirt and jogger pants

Answer explanation

The white linen shirt and loose shorts provide breathability and comfort, making them ideal for hot conditions. Linen is lightweight and allows air circulation, while loose shorts prevent heat retention, unlike the other options.

You feel hot while working from home and want a quick way to feel refreshed without a full shower. What’s a smart step?

• Soak your socks in cold water and wear them

• Place a cold compress behind your knees and sit near a fan

• Drink a hot beverage to encourage sweating

• Spray perfume on your wrists for a cooling sensation

Answer explanation

Placing a cold compress behind your knees helps cool down your body quickly, as this area has major blood vessels. Sitting near a fan enhances the cooling effect, making it an effective way to feel refreshed without a full shower.

You’re thirsty and slightly dizzy after being out in the sun. What’s the most effective way to rehydrate and cool down?

• A cold soda with ice

• Coconut water or chilled herbal tea

• A glass of room-temperature milk

• A cup of strong iced coffee

Answer explanation

Coconut water and chilled herbal tea are hydrating and help cool down effectively. They replenish electrolytes lost from sweating, unlike soda or coffee, which can dehydrate you further.

You live in a top-floor unit with tile flooring. It’s late afternoon and hot. What should you do to help cool the space?

• Sprinkle a small amount of water on the floor and increase fan speed

• Close the blinds and switch off ceiling fans

• Light scented candles to reduce humidity

• Open all windows regardless of sun direction

Answer explanation

Sprinkling water on the tile floor helps cool the space through evaporation, while increasing fan speed enhances air circulation, making the environment more comfortable.

You’re relaxing indoors in the evening. Which outfit helps maintain comfort in the lingering heat?

• A tight-fitting moisture-wicking gym shirt and leggings

• A long kaftan-style dress made of cotton

• Fleece pajamas with short sleeves

• A silk robe with full-length sleeves

Answer explanation

A long kaftan-style dress made of cotton is ideal for comfort in heat due to its loose fit and breathable fabric, allowing air circulation. The other options are either too tight or made of warmer materials, which can increase discomfort.