We’d like to help you stay safe and cool in the extreme weather. Here are our top tips to beat the heat.
Keep in touch
Look out for yourself & others to avoid getting into difficulty in the heat. More vulnerable members of our community may not be so aware of the dangers so a cool drink or help into the shade may be welcome. Listen to the news so you are aware of the risks and the whats changing in your area. Plan ahead to avoid getting stuck out and about in the hottest part of the day & remember to use your Astraline device if you need help. We are always here for you.
Keep Well
Stay hydrated – this one is so important as dehydration can lead to increased falls even without the added risk of the extreme temperatures. Keep your head covered in a breathable cotton hat & dress for the heat – light coloured loose garments in natural fibres will help your body to cool itself. Remember sun block – the UV index (how dangerous the sun’s radiation is) is 6-8 across most of the UK today which is severely high, so you could burn very easily. Eat small fresh meals – avoid putting the oven on if you can and eating a small meals rather than something huge will help you stay cooler as it requires less energy to digest. Try to slow down – we know there are never enough hours in the day but there is no rush! Move slowly and take deep breaths to help regulate temperature.
Find Somewhere Cool
It may feel counterintuitive, but closing windows & curtains can keep your home several degrees cooler. Check the temperature and it its hotter outside – shut that hot air out! If you have no curtains or blinds a towel can be draped over a window to block direct sunlight but avoid the common tips of foil or black bags as this can heat the glass. Use fans to circulate air around the room and stay indoors if its cooler inside than out. Damp flannels can help cool the skin especially if you sit in front of a fan. Its a good idea to avoid travel if possible – many cars have glorious air conditioning but often not and a traffic jam in the heat would be best avoided.
Look Out
Understand what heat stroke looks like – know the signs so you can stop it before it gets more serious.
The signs of heat exhaustion include:
- a headache
- dizziness and confusion
- loss of appetite and feeling sick
- excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
- cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- fast breathing or pulse
- a high temperature of 38C or above
- being very thirsty
Check the NHS website for what to do in cases of extreme heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
You can cool down in the shower if you start to feel much too hot. Drink re-hydration solutions if needed – check with your medical practitioner if you are on medication that may be effected. A dip in a cool pool sounds wonderful but be safe if you go swimming. Even in the extreme heat don’t take risks in unknown waterways or rivers.
Ask For Help
If you are struggling to cope in the heat, feeling unwell and you need help ask for it. Extreme heat is dangerous to everyone, especially to the very old, young, unwell or those on medication. Symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke are simple to resolve when caught early.
Use your Astraline alarm or call 111 for advice on how to manage or 999 in an emergency.