Beat the Heat: Cool Body From Within This Summer

Japan is bracing for a hot summer with above-average temperatures forecasted from June through August. A leading sports physiologist is urging residents to adopt preventive measures against heatstroke, highlighting surprising cooling techniques.

Heatstroke hospitalizations in Japan surpassed 100,000 last year between May and September. Preliminary figures for early May 2026 already show over 1,400 cases, with individuals aged 65 and older comprising nearly 60% of those affected.

Risk factors for heatstroke include environmental conditions like high heat and humidity, intense physical activity, and individual vulnerabilities. Sudden temperature spikes in early summer pose a particular danger as the body is not yet acclimatized.

Effective prevention involves adjusting activity levels and increasing fluid intake, especially for older adults who may not sense heat as acutely. While handheld fans offer subjective cooling, they may mask rising core body temperatures.

Experts recommend cooling specific body parts, such as the palms, soles of the feet, and cheeks, which contain special blood vessels that help regulate internal temperature. Consuming ice slurry, a drinkable mixture of crushed ice and liquid, is also gaining traction for its potential to cool the body from within.

Early signs of heatstroke include leg cramps, dizziness, and pale complexion. Immediate action is advised, and if symptoms worsen or consciousness is lost, emergency services should be contacted.