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Tips to stay safe in the heatwave




ALTHOUGH welcomed by most, hot weather can cause a real danger to health – particularly to the very elderly and the seriously ill. People with existing medical conditions and the very young are also potentially at risk during a warm spell.

The Met Office has raised the heat wave warning to level three, with the hottest temperatures predicted for today (26TH July) meaning temperatures high enough to have a significant effect on health. It's the single, most prolonged period of hot weather since the summer of 1976 when Britain was hit by a drought.

The news has led health and social care partners across Coventry and Warwickshire to come together and give some simple advice on how to enjoy the hot weather responsibly.

Warwickshire County Councillor Les Caborn, Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: “During hot spells vulnerable groups, such as the older people, feel the severe effects of heat more than others and it’s long been recognised that death rates rise in heat waves.

“The best advice is to relax, stay cool, drink lots of cold fluids and, if you can, keep an eye on those you know to be at risk.”

Partners in Coventry and Warwickshire have issued the following advice to try and keep people healthy in the sun and heat:

  1. Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
  2. Wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes
  3. Walk in the shade and at a comfortable pace
  4. Apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection
  5. Wear a hat and light scarf
  6. Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes
  7. Drink lots of cool drinks
  8. Look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as the older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses
  9. Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
  10. Be aware of feeling light headed or faint. Don't hesitate to ask for help as people will listen, reassure and assist

For more information on how to enjoy the sun safely, visit Cancer Research’s SunSmart website.

You can find out more about staying well this summer on the Public Health website: http://news.warwickshire.gov.uk/blog/2016/07/12/stay-well-this-summer-top-tips-for-travel/



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