Published: 26/06/2024
In the UK, warm weather is usually welcomed but we often struggle in extreme heat which can pose several health risks. It’s important that although we like to enjoy the sun we need to remember to regulate ourselves so we don’t overheat.
Each year, thousands of people are admitted to hospital as a result of heat-related ailments, such as severe sunburn, heat exhaustion or heatstroke. With temperature set to rise over the next week ,The Met office announced it will be the "highest temperatures of the year so far" so we are sharing some of our top tips for keeping safe and cool in Borehamwood and Watford during the hot weather.
Can hot weather be dangerous?
Extremely hot weather and direct exposure to the sun can pose a number of health risks, particularly for some of the vulnerable individuals we care for. This includes older people and young adults with underlying health conditions or long term illness such as diabetes or even paralysis. As we age, or or for young adults who may be immunocompromised, there is less of an ability to control our body temperature, as ageing decreases our ability to sweat.
The main risks, outlined on the NHS website are:
- Dehydration (not drinking enough water)
- Overheating
- Heat exhaustion/heatstroke
HOT Tips for keeping cool in hot weather
1. To help you keep cool in hot weather, avoid exercising during the hottest Hours of the da This usually ranges between 11.00am – 3.00pm.
2. If you are out and about , try to keep out of the sun and opt to sit or walk in the shade instead.
3. When Exposed to the sun remember to wear sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat.
4. Taking a cool shower can help, as well as regularly sprinkling water over the skin or clothing, or applying a damp cloth on the back of your neck.
5 Make sure to always drink plenty of fluids it's important to stay hydrated.
HOT Tips for keeping your house cool in hot weather
1. For rooms that face the sun, close the curtains to help keep rooms cooler.
2.In this weather is impossible to not want to open the windows during the day, but in order to keep your house cool, you need to keep the hot air out. Then at night, when the temperature has dropped outside, you can open the windows to allow fresh air to circulate round the house and cool it.
3. Sometimes it may be cooler outdoors than indoors so try going for a walk in the shade if you find it to be too hot and stuffy inside.
HOT Tips on food choices during hot weather
Salads are perfect hot weather food, as are fruits with a high water content , these all help to keep you hydrated as well as light and cool. Cucumber, celery and melon are all 95% water! Some great fruits with a high water content include strawberries, melons, oranges, pineapples and peaches.
Common signs of overheating?
- Headaches
- Confusion or dizziness
- Lack of appetite
- Clammy skin
- Excessive sweating
- Feeling sick
- Arm, leg or stomach cramps
- Rapid breathing or pulse
- Body temperature of 38*C or higher
- Excessive thirst
For more top tips on keeping cool during the hot weather, take a look at the NHS website. If you’d like information on Right at Home Borehamwood and Watford and the homecare services we offer, please get in touch with us on 020 8092 9994 .
