In many places around the world, summer is a time of brutal heat and humidity. What’s more, global climate change is expected to make things worse. The world is experiencing an upward trend in temperatures, with 2023 standing out as the warmest year ever recorded. Even in temperate regions, extreme heat waves have become more frequent occurrences. Thus, it should come as no surprise that people are always looking for new ways to beat the heat.
While the first action most people take is to turn on their air conditioning units as temperatures go up, other effective measures can be taken in the home to counter the heat. Strategically placing fans can enhance air circulation. During cooler periods, placing a fan near an open window can bring in fresh air, and when it’s warmer, positioning a fan to face outward can help expel the indoor warmth.
Understanding the body’s reaction to heat can also aid in keeping cool. Blood vessels expand when the body’s temperature rises, which increases blood flow to the skin to release more heat. The cooled blood then circulates through the body. Applying a cold patch or running cool water over pulse points, where blood vessels are close to the surface, can boost this cooling effect.
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
Our diets can similarly have an enormous impact on body temperature. While consuming a big bowl of ice cream might seem like a great idea to cool off, it can actually warm the body internally because heat is generated when the body is digesting fats. Likewise, foods high in protein, such as beef or pork, can increase body temperature due to the energy required for digestion. Instead, opt for meals that include mainly fruits and vegetables on hot days because they are easier to digest and abundant in water, which helps cool the body.
在世界上的許多地方，夏季是酷暑潮溼的時期。更重要的是，全球氣候變遷預計會讓情況變得更糟。全球氣溫正呈現上升的趨勢，2023年尤為突出，其為有紀錄以來最熱的一年。即使在溫帶地區，極端熱浪的發生也愈發頻繁。因此，人們總在尋求新的方法來抗熱應該就不足為奇了。
雖然大多數人在氣溫升高時所採取的第一個行動是打開空調，但也有其他有效措施可在家中使用來抵抗炎熱。策略性地放置風扇可以增強空氣流通。在較為涼爽的時期，將風扇放在敞開的窗戶附近可以帶來新鮮空氣，而當天氣較暖和時，將風扇朝外放置有助於排出室內的暖空氣。
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
了解身體對熱的反應也有助於保持涼爽。當體溫升高時，血管會擴張，這增加了流向皮膚的血流量，從而散出更多的體熱。降了溫的血液接著會在體內循環。在脈搏點（血管靠近表面的地方）敷上涼感貼片或沖冷水，可以增強這種冷卻效果。
我們的飲食同樣會對體溫產生巨大影響。雖然吃一大碗冰淇淋看似是讓人涼快下來的好主意，但這其實會讓身體內部變暖，因為身體消化脂肪時會生熱。同樣地，蛋白質含量高的食物（如牛肉或豬肉）會因消化所需的能量而使體溫增加。在炎熱的天氣裡，反而要選擇主要由蔬果組成的餐點，因為蔬果較易消化且富含水分，有助於讓身體變得涼爽。
Words in use
1. brutal a. 嚴酷的
The marathon race was brutal, testing the runners’ endurance and strength.
那項馬拉松賽事很嚴酷，考驗跑者的耐力和體力。
2. humidity n. 溼度（不可數）
This plant thrives in an environment with high humidity and plenty of sunlight.
這種植物在高溼度和大量陽光的環境中會茁壯成長。
3. occurrence n. 發生的事件
Flooding is a frequent occurrence in this area during the rainy season.
在這個區域的雨季，洪災時常發生。
4. counter vt. 對抗，抵銷
The doctor prescribed medication to counter the infection in the patient’s lungs.
醫師開了藥物來對抗病患肺部的感染。
5. strategically adv. 策略上地；戰略性地
The brand strategically invested in marketing to maximize its product’s exposure.
該品牌策略性地投入資金在行銷上，以最大化其產品的曝光度。
Practical Phrases
1. stand out as... 以……（某種身分）而突出
The recent drought stands out as the worst in the region’s history.
近來的乾旱是該地區史上最嚴重的一次而顯得格外突出。
2. It comes as no surprise + that 子句 ……不足為奇∕一點都不令人意外
Given Rita’s talent, it should come as no surprise that she succeeded.
有鑑於麗塔的才賦，她的成功應該一點也不讓人意外。
3. cool off 降溫消暑
The family decided to go swimming to cool off on the hot day.
在那個炎熱的日子，那一家人決定去游泳涼快一下。
To be continued tomorrow（明日待續）
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聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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