Take Care in the Sun

3/07/2006

Gloucestershire’s Primary Care Trusts have today reminded local people to ‘take care in the sun’ as the weather looks set to top 30 degree centigrade in the county over the next few days.

Summer is an enjoyable time for everyone and being outside on a nice sunny day in the fresh air can be good for you, but extreme heat can seriously damage your health. During a period of hot weather, when temperatures stay really high day after day, it can sometimes be fatal.

The Primary Care Trusts today advised local residents and visitors to the area to take some sensible and easy precautions to protect themselves and others during the hot weather. Older people and children are particularly prone to the effects of the heat.

• 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 and wear a suitable protective sunscreen.
  
• Consider closing the curtains of south facing windows, to minimize the sun coming in.
  
• 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. Avoid alcohol.
  
• Older people are much more prone to the effects of heat. You can help older relatives or neighbours by checking on them regularly to remind them to drink plenty and often. 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

The Directors of Public Health in the county, Dr Shona Arora (Cheltenham and Tewkesbury), Dr Hendrik Chapel (Cotswold and Vale) and Hugh Annett (West Gloucestershire) said: “Mostly it’s a matter of common sense – we would ask everyone to plan ahead to reduce the risk of getting heat exhaustion or heatstroke. By following the above simple advice people should be protected, but we would also ask everyone to keep a caring eye on older relatives and neighbours”.

They added “If people are worried about what to do, either for themselves or somebody they know who might be at risk, go to NHS Direct Online for advice at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47”.