Taking Care in the Summer Heat

My Top 12 Tips for an Enjoyable British Summer

Published: 20/08/2024

Taking Care in the Summer Heat

Soon our glorious British summer will be with us, together with lawn bowls, tennis, strawberries and cream and the inevitable downpour!

Despite those rainy interludes, we all know that the average temperatures are warming up; we can feel that our hot weather is getting hotter than ever before.

According to the Met. Office, 2023 was actually the second warmest year on record for the United Kingdom. In Wales and Northern Ireland, records show that 2023 was their warmest year ever and our hottest day was September 10th, which was a blistering 33.5°C. June 2023 was the hottest June since temperatures were first recorded.

Keeping cool and comfortable is paramount to safely enjoying the warmer months. People who are older, bed bound or live with Parkinson's Disease or Alzheimer's Disease are most vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Having lived in a very humid North American climate, I know there are many ways to stay cool without costly home air conditioning.

These are my top tips for enjoying a warm summer safely:

1) Invest in a good electric fan early in the season whilst they are still plentiful. At the cheaper end of the spectrum tower fans are the most effective (but on the strongest setting would be too fierce for my elderly parents).

2) Keep a portable handheld fan nearby or invest in a 'neck fan' that is rechargeable, lightweight and is worn around the neck.

3) Keep a couple of small jugs of water or squash on hand and monitor how much is drunk during the day to ensure ample hydration. Small jugs are better due to the weight and being easier to lift.

4) When dressing, try to stick with natural fibres such as linen and cotton. Sometimes our summers can still feel chilly, so light cardigans and layering is best.

5) Use an umbrella or parasol when walking outside and try to avoid the fiercest sun hours of the day between 10am and 3pm.

6) Always use a factor 30 sunscreen or higher when out and about.

7) Keep a supply of ice lollies in the freezer for warm days. These are great for cooling and rehydration.

8) Use a cold flannel compress on the neck, wrists and forehead if feeling particularly warm or plunge your hands and wrists into a bowl or sink of cold water for a few minutes. This will help to cool your circulation. Keep alert for signs of heat exhaustion, which can include fatigue, headache, dizziness and nausea or vomiting.

9) Go shopping! Many shops including The Glades Shopping Centre in Bromley are air conditioned. Shopping centres are great places to take walking exercise in an air conditioned environment.

10) Catch a movie. Cinemas are wonderful for a couple of hours relaxation in an air conditioned environment. The Odeon on Beckenham High Street (BR3 1DY) has easy access from the street and parking at ground level at the rear.

11) Take a swim. The Pavilion Leisure Centre in Bromley has step-free 'beach' access into the pool. During family swim sessions the wave machine is activated, adding an extra sensory experience.

12) BINGO! Bingo halls are air conditioned and often serve reasonably priced meals for those playing an afternoon or evening session or both! There are no bingo halls in our borough, but there is one in Croydon's Centrale Shopping Centre.

Being sensible is key

If you or your elderly relative, neighbour or friend live alone, arrange for a regular carer or relative/friend to check in every time the temperature rises. Do not be afraid to ask for them to check on you, or for you to check in on your relative or neighbour. We all need to look out for each other especially when battling extreme heat. Too quickly heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke which is a medical emergency and can be fatal.

Right at Home Bromley are here for you all over the London borough and we are happy to assist you with all your care requirements. If you'd like to arrange for a regular visit by one of our specially selected and matched staff, please call our office on 020 8150 6272.

Lucy Seidler

Community and Engagements Officer