The heatwave advice of 1976, characterized by suggestions like drinking beer, eating crisps, and even making love, stands in stark contrast to contemporary recommendations for managing extreme temperatures. While the 1976 heatwave, which saw 16 consecutive days above 32C (89.6F), was severe, records show that summers since have been hotter, with recent June temperature records being broken multiple times.
This historical comparison raises questions about whether modern society is overreacting to heatwaves. In 1976, societal responses were different: schools and water parks were not routinely closed, and the concept of an "extreme heat" warning was not prevalent. People relied on public advice from newspapers, often quoting medical professionals whose recommendations, such as consuming beer and crisps to replace lost fluids and salts, would be unlikely to be issued by health services today. Other advice included wearing woolen underwear and damp socks to bed, or drinking a cup of tea, which was believed to cool the body by opening pores.
A Journalist's Test of 1970s Strategies
One journalist attempted to follow 1976 advice during a 35C (95F) day in Hyde Park, armed with a pint of beer, a bag of crisps, and tanning oil. Despite these provisions, the experience proved uncomfortable. The beer did little to quench thirst, and the tea seemed to exacerbate the heat. Crisps offered a salty snack but also left a greasy residue in the heat. Modern portable fans and insulated water bottles, used by a younger colleague, provided a clear contrast in comfort. The journalist concluded that the humid conditions of modern heatwaves, unlike the arid air of 1976, make it difficult for sweat to evaporate, leading to a more oppressive feeling.
Modern Heatwave Approaches
In contrast, contemporary advice emphasizes staying hydrated with water, seeking shade, and applying high SPF sunscreen. A younger reporter tested these modern strategies, finding them significantly more effective. An electric handheld fan and a vacuum-sealed water bottle kept her cool and hydrated, while SPF50 sunscreen protected her fair skin. While long, breathable clothing was less comfortable than anticipated, staying in the shade was deemed the most effective measure. This approach contrasts with the 1970s practice of using tanning oils with little to no sun protection, a trend driven by a different perception of tanned skin.
Expert Perspectives on Heatwave Advice
Medical experts largely dismiss the scientific basis of many 1970s heatwave recommendations. Dr. Dean Eggitt, a consultant primary care physician, noted that while beer contains vitamins, alcohol is dehydrating. He stressed the importance of water with rehydrating salts, either homemade or from sachets, as crucial for combating heat exhaustion. Similarly, hot drinks like tea and coffee can worsen dehydration in humid conditions.
Regarding sun exposure, consultant dermatologist Christopher Rowland Payne highlighted the shift in public perception. In the 1970s, a tan was associated with health, but it is now understood as a skin injury response that increases the risk of wrinkles and skin cancer. He noted that while fake tan allows people to achieve a brown appearance without sun damage, it still reflects a lingering societal preference for tanned skin. Advice on clothing, such as natural fibers like cotton instead of polyester, and potentially thin wool, is considered more sound, as these materials allow for better air circulation and evaporation. However, the comfort of damp socks in bed is questioned, though the principle of evaporative cooling through moisture and airflow aligns with modern cooling devices.
Evolving Perceptions of Heat
The 1976 heatwave, though memorable, is now surpassed in record temperatures, with scientists predicting more frequent and intense heat events. The perceived generational divide in coping with heat—with younger individuals reporting more difficulty than older generations accustomed to past heatwaves—suggests a need for updated strategies. While some may believe in enduring heat with resilience and simple remedies, the increased understanding of heat-related health risks, including the thousands of deaths linked to heatwaves since 1976, underscores the importance of modern, science-backed advice for public safety. Farmers, for example, now face regulations on transporting livestock in high temperatures, indicating a broader societal acknowledgment of heat's impact. This suggests that prioritizing safety through hydration, shade, and appropriate protection is more advisable than relying on anecdotal or outdated survival tips from the past.