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4 January 2017

Keeping cool in the heat

It’s great that we’re enjoying some lovely weather at last, but it’s also important that we look after ourselves in the heat.

It’s wonderful to have some sunny weather for a change but when the temperature starts to climb, there can be some unpleasant side effects from the heat.

What are the risks of hot weather?

In a severe heat wave you may get dehydrated and your body may overheat, leading to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Both need urgent treatment. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps, pale skin, and a high temperature. You should move somewhere cool and drink plenty of water or fruit juice. If you can, take a lukewarm shower, or sponge yourself down with cold water.

Heatstroke can develop if heat exhaustion is left untreated, but it can also occur suddenly and without warning. Symptoms include headaches, nausea, an intense thirst, sleepiness, hot, red and dry skin, a sudden rise in temperature, confusion, aggression, convulsions and loss of consciousness. Heatstroke can result in irreversible damage to your body, including the brain, or death.

Here are our top tips for staying safe when it’s hot:

  • Stay inside during the hottest time of the day (11am – 3pm)
  • Close the curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun
  • Keep windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside. Open them when the temperature inside rises, and at night for ventilation. If you are worried about security, at least open windows on the first floor and above
  • Use sunscreen lotion of factor 15 or above when you’re out and about
  • When travelling always carry a bottle of water
  • Limit activities like housework and gardening to cooler times of the day
  • Wear lose, light weight, cotton clothing
  • Drink lots of fluids and eat more cold foods such as salad and fruit, which contain water
  • Take cool showers or baths, and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck

What else can you do to stay cool?

Keep an eye on the weather reports, which will let you know if a heat wave is on its way. Also if you have breathing problems or a heart condition, your symptoms might get worse when it’s very hot, so it may be a good idea to contact your GP for advice.