Whilst we all love a bit of good weather it is important to take care of yourselves in the soaring temperatures. Please take some time to check on your older neighbours, friends and family and take extra care as follows:
☀️ It’s essential that you put extra focus on preventing dehydration by ensuring older people are drinking plenty of fluids.
☀️Although some direct sun exposure is essential for the production of vitamin D . avoid spending long periods outside during the hottest time of the day, which is from 11am to 3pm. If you do go out, wear a broad- brimmed hat and stay in the shade as much as possible.
☀️ If you’re travelling by car or public transport, always take a bottle of water.
☀️ Older people should avoid strenuous activity and limit activities such as housework and gardening to the morning or evening.
☀️When inside, try to stay in the coolest parts of your home. Keep curtains and blinds closed in rooms that catch the sun and remember that lights generate heat so turn them off. Keep windows shut while it’s cooler inside than outside. Fans can help sweat evaporate but they don’t cool the air itself, so don’t rely on them to keep you well in the heat.
☀️ Wear loose, lightweight, light-coloured, cotton clothing.
☀️ Splash your face with cool (not very cold) water or place a damp cloth on the back of your neck to help you cool off.
☀️ Drink lots of fluid. Aim for 6 to 8 glasses a day, more if it’s very hot. If you usually rely on drinks with caffeine in them, limit these and have water or decaf drinks instead. Avoid alcohol, as it can make dehydration worse.
☀️ Eat normally – even if you aren’t hungry, you need a normal diet to replace salt loss from sweating. Try to have more salads and fruit, as these contain a lot of water.
☀️ Speak to your GP or pharmacist about how your health or medications may be affected by extreme heat. Check the storage instructions of your medicines – most need to be stored in a cool area, and away from direct sunlight. Kitchens and bathrooms are not ideal places to store medicines (warm and damp).
Enjoy the weather and stay safe
