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By Michelle Wheeler Summer scorcher and no air-con? Dunking your feet in water can make the heat more bearable, Aussie research suggests. Sponging yourself all over is even better, and has the added benefit of lowering your heart rate.

In Australia, the year is off to a sizzling start. Much of the continent has been sweltering under a record-breaking heatwave. Let’s look at what’s causing these extreme temperatures.