Beat the heat

Elderly people have been issued with top tips and guidance to beat the heat this summer.

With soaring temperatures set to linger, Hertsmere Borough Council has issued letters and guidance to all nursing and residential care homes this week.

High temperatures can be dangerous for everyone, but especially for the very young, very old and those with chronic diseases. 

Top tips include:

Drink plenty of water or juices throughout the day and avoid tea and coffee as they can cause dehydration.

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 don’t forget sunscreen.

Take cool baths or showers if you are feeling overheated and splash yourself several times a day with cold water especially on your face and the back of the neck.

Eat as you normally would. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water. Avoid alcohol.

Keep a glass of iced water next to the bed at night and if you, or your residents, are having trouble sleeping try cooling down using a wet towel.

If the body gets severely dehydrated, symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke may occur.  These include

• Headaches Nausea
• An intense thirst
• Sleepiness
• Hot red and dry skin
• A sudden rise in temperature
• Confusion
• Aggression
• Convulsions 
• A loss of consciousness

People worried about their health during the heat wave are being advised to talk to their GP, pharmacist, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit the website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Air quality in the district is measured 24 hours a day and you can look at the current data at  http://www.hertsbedsair.org.uk/hertsbeds/asp/Home.asp and clicking on the green circle on the map for Hertsmere. 

Specific advice for supporting vulnerable people before and during a heat wave is available at Advice for Health and Social Care Professionals:

www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/13/53/01/04135301.pdf and Advice for Care Home managers and staff at www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/13/52/99/04135299.pdf