How to keep cool in Hot Weather - Right at Home Exeter and Exmouth

Introduction:

Across the UK, we normally welcome the hot weather, but we can sometimes have difficulty with extreme heat, as it creates potential health risks. Every year, thousands of people are admitted to hospital because of heat-related conditions, such as severe sunburn, heat exhaustion or heatstroke. 
With temperatures set to rise in Exeter and the Southwest during the coming weeks, we share our favourite tips to ensure you are safe and cool during the warm weather.  

Can hot weather be dangerous?

A heatwave can pose a few different health risks, especially for the vulnerable people in the community. This can include infants, younger children, the elderly and people with underlying health conditions or long-term illnesses such as diabetes or Parkinson’s disease. 
The older we get, the less able we are to control our body temperature, the effect to of ageing can decrease your ability to sweat.

Some of the main risks, outlined by the NHS are:

• Dehydration (not drinking enough water).
• Overheating, which is more dangerous for people with existing heart or breathing problems.
• Heatstroke and heat exhaustion.

Top Tips for keeping cool in the hot weather!

The hottest part of the day is between 11am and 3pm, during this time try to avoid exercising or activities that will make you hotter. Find a shady spot and try keep out of the sun. A hat, sunscreen and light clothes are also very important for protection and keeping cool.

To cool yourself down, enjoy cold food and drinks and try to avoid alcohol and hot drinks. A cool shower can also help, as well as sprinkling cool water on your skin or clothes.

Remember to stay hydrated!

How do you keep your living space cool in the heat?

Keep your house cool to prevent yourself and family from overheating. Keep curtains closed for windows that face the sun, to keep the room cool.
It is better to keep windows closed during the day, as it keeps the cool air in. Once the temperature has dropped at night, you can then open windows to let cool air circulate through the house. If living or caring for people at higher risk, check the temperature of rooms, and it can sometimes be cooler outside than inside.

What food should I eat during hot weather?

• Salads are a great food option for hot weather, fruits with high water content are too
  • Did you know? Cucumber, celery and melon are all 95% water!
  • Some high water content Fruits include pineapples, peaches, melons, oranges and strawberries.
  
  How to sleep in hot weather

When the weather gets warmer, some people do struggle to get to sleep. Simply soaking your feet for 10 minutes in cool water before bed can help cool you down, as heat is lost through your head and feet quicker. Consider the tog of your duvet, the higher the ratings, the warmer it will be. You can replace your duvet with a lower tog during the warmer months.
Keep the door open when using a fan, this will allow air to circulate through the room. Exposure to warm weather can also make you feel tired. During the day you could try to avoid napping, this will make it easier to fall asleep in the evening.

What are the signs of overheating?

If you are caring for someone or know someone who is vulnerable/lives alone, please ensure that you check on them, so that they are safe during periods of warm weather.

If your body reaches 40c degrees or above, there is a danger of heatstroke kicking in. The signs of heatstroke can be similar to heat exhaustion, but the person may lose consciousness, have dry skin, stop sweating and/or have difficulty breathing.

For more helpful tips on keeping yourself and others cool during the warmer weather, take a look at the NHS website. If you’d like information on Right at Home Exeter and Exmouth and the homecare services we offer, please get in touch with us on 01392 574 323.