Over 1,000 people hospitalized in Japan for heatstroke | The Japan Times

Over 1,000 people hospitalized in Japan for heatstroke | The Japan Times

Now is the time to take care of yourself and do everything you can to avoid overheating.  Here in Hamamatsu we're getting a little respite.  This morning temperatures were in the mid-60s (that's F).  Light rain and more on the way.  But we're on the cusp of full-blown summer and it's going to be rough (although a friend of mine assures me the predictions are for a mild one).

Mild or not, summer in Japan is a sticky time where chocolate bars soften at room temperature and lucky office workers get to go tie-less for the duration (they call it Cool Biz).  Not wearing a tie does cool you off a bit, but if your office is also cutting back on running the A/C because of energy concerns in the wake of the mess in Fukushima, then you have to take extra measures.  Get some cooling pads and slap them on your body where they won't show, drink lots of water, keep a fan handy.

I have three fans at my desk.  Whenever I pass someone handing out advertising fans, I always take one.  I don't care what's printed on them.  The best ones are the plastic ones, but even the paper ones that look like artist's palettes come in handy.