By the way . . . if you feel like a fainting fit, then sit!

AS temperatures continue to rise, many of us are starting to wonder if this heatwave will ever stop. One of the main first world problems being is that we don’t have enough summer clothes!

But there are far more important menaces that are making this summer difficult — the insect bites, the sunburn, the hay fever, the heat rash, the swollen ankles, the bulging veins and the sweat!

Then there’s the public transport faint — I’ve witnessed three in the last week. My daily commute is on a packed train. As luck would have it we have had six weeks of rail works, so the train is rammed.

It’s not simply standing room only, but breathing room only. With an outside temperature pushing 28 degrees, it’s well into the 30s inside.

Trying to stand after a day’s work in a tight suit, squashed up next to a warm, sweaty, fellow commuter — is it any wonder that people are swooning?

I’ve resorted to wearing ventilation friendly clothing (a tent) and carrying a litre of water. I arrive long before the train to grab a seat. I know if I had to stand I’d be the first to fall. I’ve done it at exhibitions, in church and even in the operating theatre.

The trigger for summer fainting is a combination of heat and dehydration. This triggers our autonomic nervous system to reduce our blood pressure and heart rate. This then results in a disruption to the brain’s blood flow. By falling to the floor, the equilibrium is restored to normal so, apart from a loss of dignity and a possible bang on the head, you will be back to normal in no time at all.

If you are someone who suffers, it’s essential to bring water, wear loose clothes and if you can’t find a seat, sit on the floor. Morning hangovers and missing breakfast are absolute no-nos.

Racing onto the train the other night after a hard day I panicked, as there were no seats. Suddenly I had a Eureka moment — the luggage rack. I ditched the high heels and sat in, safe in the knowledge I wasn’t going to faint sitting down!