Hot weather advice for older and vulnerable people

The Council has issued advice on dealing with the hot weather, and is encouraging residents to keep a look out for older friends and family members.

The hot weather has arrived and while it’s very important for us all to take care in the heat, vulnerable groups, especially older people, need to be particularly careful, warns the Council. While many parts of the south could see highs of 30°, a key factor will also apparently be night-time temperatures.

Cllr Ivan White Cabinet Member Adult Social Care and Health said:

“We would encourage residents to keep a close eye on older family members, friends and neighbours during the hot weather and to follow the NHS advice:”

• Drink regularly even if you do not feel thirsty — water
and fruit juice are best.

• Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol as they can cause
dehydration.

• Avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am-
3pm).

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity, like sport, DIY, or
gardening.

• If you go outside, stay in the shade.

• Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably
cotton.

• Close the curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun.

• Take cool showers or baths, and splash yourself several
times a day with cold water, particularly your face and
the back of your neck.

Both heat exhaustion and heatstroke can be very serious so is important to know what symptoms look for:

Heat exhaustion can include headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps, pale skin, and a high temperature.

Heatstroke can include headaches, nausea, an intense thirst, sleepiness, hot, red and dry skin, a sudden rise in temperature, confusion, aggression, convulsions and loss of consciousness.

You should contact your doctor, a pharmacist or NHS Direct (www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or 0845 46 47) if you’re worried about your or anyone else’s health, especially if you are taking medication, or have any unusual symptoms.

The Age Concern Information Line on 0800 00 99 66 and the website at www.ageconcern.org.uk, both offer a wide range of information on issues affecting older people. For further advice for the elderly on how to manage the heat wave go to: http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/Documents/Keeping_cool_in_a_heatwave_ACIL21.pdf

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