Cheltenham and Tewkesbury PCT is reminding local residents to take care in the sun and keep cool this summer, this comes after warnings from the Met Office and the Department of Health that we could experience a Heat Wave similar to those seen in Europe over the last couple of years.

A special ‘heat – health watch’ will be operating until 15th September 2005 by the Met Office and the Department of Health. The Health Protection Agency will be monitoring calls made to NHS Direct and visits to GP’s to see how the weather is affecting people’s health. The Cheltenham and Tewkesbury PCT have been working with local partners such as Social Services and other agencies to make sure there are plans in place in the event of a heat wave being declared.

The Met Office will notify the Department of Health and other organisations with ‘Heat - Health watch’ responsibility immediately threshold temperatures are forecast for three days ahead. Threshold temperatures are temperatures that exceed 30 degrees centigrade during the day and night time temperatures that exceed 15 degrees centigrade.

Mark Gibbs from the Met Office’s Health Team says:

“Extreme heat is dangerous to everyone and can be fatal. The elderly and the very young are most as risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.”

7 Steps to take during a heatwave

“I would recommend local residents take the following steps to keep cool during very hot weather…

• If a heatwave is forecast, try to plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat.
  
  
• If possible, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am - 3pm).
  
  
• If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light loose fitting clothes, preferably cotton. If you will be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you.
  
  
• Take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck.
  
  
• Eat as you normally would. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water.
  
  
• Older people are much more prone to the effects of heat. You can help older relatives or neighbours by checking on them, if possible, every day, and reminding them to drink plenty and often. They should have a mixture of drinks including fruit juice and water. Help them to keep their house as cool as possible, drawing curtains, opening windows at night, or using a fan if necessary.
  
  
• Listen to bulletins on radio and television and follow health advice.
  
  

Who is at risk during a heatwave?

Those at particular risk during a heatwave include:

• older people, especially those over 75 years old and living on their own
  
  
• babies and young children, especially under four years old
  
  
• people suffering from mental ill health, those with dementia, and those who rely on help from other people to manage day-to-day activities
  
  
• people who are bed-bound
  
  
• people taking certain types of medication
  
  
• people suffering from chronic ill health, particularly breathing or heart problems
  
  
• people who use alcohol or illicit drugs
  
  
• people who are physically active such as manual workers, or sportsmen and women

In the Cheltenham and Tewkesbury PCT area, with approximately 163,000 residents, just under half the population is aged 0-4 (approx. 30,000) years or over 75 years (approx. 47,000).

In a severe heatwave the body can overheat and dehydrate, leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

What symptoms should you look out for?

• headaches
  
  
• nausea
  
  
• an intense thirst
  
  
• sleepiness,
  
  
• hot red and dry skin
  
  
• a sudden rise in temperature
  
  
• confusion
  
  
• aggression
  
  
• convulsions and a loss of consciousness
  
  
• Heatstroke can develop if heat exhaustion is left untreated but can also occur suddenly and without warning.
  
  

When should you seek advice?

Remember heatstroke can kill. It can develop rapidly and suddenly lead to unconsciousness. If you suspect someone has heatstroke call 999 immediately.