Heatwaves

Keep your cool during the hot weather

It is best for your health to avoid getting too hot in the first place. Remember to think of those who may be more at risk from the effects of heat. Below are some tips from the NHS to keep yourself and others cool and what to do if someone feels unwell:

Stay out of the heat

 Keep out of the sun between 11.00am and 3.00pm. 
 If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf. 
 Avoid extreme physical exertion. If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, like sport, DIY or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening. 
 Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.

Cool yourself down

 Have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks. 
 Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content.
 Take a cool shower, bath or body wash.
 Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.

Keep your environment cool

 Keeping your living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or those who can’t look after themselves. 
 Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped. 
 Close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun. However, care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat – consider replacing or putting reflective material in-between them and the window  space. 
 Place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the temperature. 
 Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat. 
 Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air. 
 If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping.
 Electric fans may provide some relief, if temperatures are below 35°C. At temperatures above 35°C fans may not prevent heat related illness and may cause dehydration. The advice is not to aim the fan directly on the body and to have regular drinks. This is especially important in the case of sick people confined to bed.

Look out for others:

 Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool. 
 Ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars. 
 Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heatwave. 
 Be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is unwell of further help is needed.

Who is most at risk?

The heat can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm. These include:

 Older people, especially those over 75. 
 Babies and young children. 
 People with serious mental health problems. 
 People on certain medication. 
 People with a serious chronic condition, particularly breathing or heart problems. 
 People who already have a high temperature from an infection. 
 People who misuse alcohol or take illicit drugs. 
 People with mobility problems. 
 People who are physically active, like manual workers and athletes.

If you have a health problem

 Keep medicines below 25°C or in the refrigerator (read the storage instructions on the packaging). 
 Seek medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking multiple medications.

If you or others feel unwell:

 Try to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache; move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature. 
 Drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate. 
 Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular cramps (particularly in the legs, arms or abdomen, in many cases after sustained exercise during very hot weather), and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes. 
 Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than one hour. 
 Consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist.

Seek advice if you have any concerns:

 Contact your doctor, a pharmacist or NHS 111 if you are worried about your health during a heatwave, especially if you are taking medication, if you feel unwell or have any unusual symptoms. 
 Watch for cramp in your arms, legs or stomach, feelings of mild confusion, weakness or problems sleeping. 
 If you have these symptoms, rest for several hours, keep cool and drink water or fruit juice. Seek medical advice if they get worse or don’t go away.

If you suspect someone has heatstroke:

 Remember, heatstroke can kill. It can develop very suddenly, and rapidly lead to unconsciousness. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 999 immediately. 
 While waiting for the ambulance 
 If possible, move the person somewhere cooler. 
 Increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan. 
 Cool them down as quickly as possibly by loosening their clothes, sprinkling them with cold water or wrapping them in a damp sheet.
 If they are conscious, give them water or fruit juice to drink. 
 Do not give them aspirin or paracetamol.

Further information

 Check the weather forecast and any high temperature health warnings at: www.metoffice.gov.uk/ 
 Heatwave plan for England

The above text is taken from the NHS leaflet “looking after yourself and others during hot weather"