Summer, health and university life: Cool solutions for hot days

30. June 2026

Students of the Bachelor’s degree programme Health Management and Health Promotion played an active role in organising the Hitzeaktionstag.

High temperatures can have a significant impact on our daily lives as students and workers. Fatigue, difficulty concentrating and exhaustion are common consequences of the heat. To raise awareness of these challenges, the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland took part in the Austria-wide Hitzeaktionstag for the second time. This year’s theme was ‘Cool Solutions in the Workplace’.

As part of the ‘Practical Health Project’ course, students worked with lecturers Carmen Steinhöfler and Nina Wallner to develop the ‘Cool Box’ – a toolbox containing practical tips and measures for dealing with heat stress in lecture halls and in the workplace.

In addition, the aspiring health experts set up interactive stations featuring games and quizzes, as well as producing a podcast episode entitled:‘Hot Summer: How does the heat affect us?’

It explores the effects of high temperatures on the body, the mind and performance, as well asuseful strategies for hot days.

Another highlight of the Hitzeaktionstag was the free skin analysis offered by the Kronen-Pharmacy in Oberwart, which measured, amongst other things, the skin’s moisture content and elasticity. In addition, university lecturer Barbara Kramer-Meltsch gave a talk on the topic ‘Eat as if there were a tomorrow – changing the world with a knife and fork’. In it, she highlighted the links between diet, health and climate protection.

Last year, the “Health Influencing” course also produced creative health-related content, including a blog post on the topic of heat in everyday life: ‘When summer becomes a burden’, as well as videos and a podcast episode on the topic: "Staying cool: sustainable eating in hot weather". Those interested can find out in conversation how a more sustainable diet helps in hot weather and how we can get through the hot summer days in a healthy and climate-friendly way.

Here’s a summary of our students’ tips for hot days:

Taking deliberate, active breaks and staying well-hydrated can help you stay fit throughout the summer. Even just a few minutes of exercise, some fresh air or simple relaxation exercises can boost concentration, reduce stress and help you recharge your batteries.
Getting enough sleep also plays a vital role, particularly in summer. By consciously looking after your wellbeing, you lay an important foundation for a successful day at university or work.
Exercise is generally good for you, but in extreme heat you should listen to your body’s signals. Intense activities such as jogging can put a heavy strain on your circulation and lead to dizziness, exhaustion or headaches. Often, a walk in the shade is the better choice. On hot days, sporting activities should, when possible, be scheduled for the cooler morning or evening hours.

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