Many of us love the summer sun.
But hot weather can also affect our health.
It's because our bodies have to work extra hard to keep us cool.
So, when the Celsius climbs, stay up to date with the forecast and:
- keep a close eye on the older people, young children, ill or expecting mums in your life. People with Alzheimer’s or dementia may not be aware they are overheating – check they drink lots of fluids (water and diluted juices are best!) and don't sit in strong sun
- keep cool at home – by closing curtains on windows that face the sun and opening windows at night when it's cooler outside than in
- be sun-savvy when out and about – travel with bottled water, use a SPF 30 or over sun screen and wear UV-protection sun glasses. Be skin smart with Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance.
“...be prepared, stay cool and keep hydrated... and if you can please check in with vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, especially if they live alone”
Kent County Council (KCC) Director of Public Health, Professor Anjan Ghosh, said: "The best advice for keeping you and your loved ones safe and well in hot weather, and avoiding needing the health service, is be prepared, stay cool and keep hydrated.
"Be prepared by staying in touch with the forecast so you know so you know what's expected. Stay cool and plan activities that keep you out of strongest sun in the middle of the day; and keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids - water or diluted juice are both good choices.
"If you can, please check in with vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, especially if they live alone, to make sure they're cool too - and keeping the (non-alcoholic!) drinks flowing."
Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke - and what to do if you or someone else has them
IMAGE: Staying hydrated is key to avoiding heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It sounds obvious but it's easy to forget
Other top tips for staying safe and well in hot weather
- avoid excess alcohol (booze is very dehydrating; it also makes you more likely to take risks - like sit out for long periods, unprotected, in strong sun)
- do intense exercise in the cooler parts of the day
- carry your asthma inhaler, if you use one, with you because hot weather and thunderstorms can make lung conditions worse. Register for air quality updates from Kent Air and if you notice you need to use your inhaler more frequently because of the weather, consider talking to your pharmacist, contacting your GP or NHS 111.
Should you or anyone you know become unwell in hot weather
- if it's not an emergency, visit or call NHS 111
- If you’re not sure what health service to use, go to Stop, Think, Choose
- In an emergency, always ring 999
“By taking simple precautions, such as staying hydrated and finding shade during the hottest parts of the day, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming ill and needing the services of the NHS”
Dr Kate Langford, NHS Kent and Medway's Chief Medical and Outcomes Officer, said: “However much we might like the sun, we know that it can have detrimental effects on our health, especially for the young, our elderly residents and those who are most vulnerable.
“By taking simple precautions, such as staying hydrated and finding shade during the hottest parts of the day, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming ill and needing the services of the NHS.
“Please also do check in on your vulnerable neighbours, families and friends to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice."
Further advice and support
For more information and advice, visit www.kent.gov.uk/keepcool
Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance’s Be skin smart campaign highlights steps we can all take to protect our skin in the sun and what to look out for when checking our moles.
Find out about how you can get involved in raising awareness in your school, college, workplace, group or club on the Be skin smart page in the patient and public involvement section on the Alliance’s website.
