Keep safe in the sun

Stay safe in the heat by keeping out of the sun and drinking plenty of water – that’s the health advice being given out by Nottinghamshire County Council whilst the temperatures remain high over the next few days. 

As temperatures are expected to stay in the high 20s, early 30s for the rest of the week, the Council is advising people to keep safe in the sun by carrying out the following precautions: 

• try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm 

• wear sunscreen and seek shade 

• wear loose cotton clothing, and if going outside a sunglasses and a hat 

• drink lots of cool drinks 

• look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses 

• never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals. 

People should take care indoors by keeping their bedroom and living spaces cool by closing curtains against sunny windows and opening windows at cooler times when possible. 

Coun Stuart Wallace, Committee Chairman for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said that home care staff are particularly paying close attention to elderly residents as the temperatures reach 30 degrees plus by the end of the week (26 July)

He added: “Social care workers and staff regularly check on vulnerable people receiving care and ensure they have access to cold water and ice during hot weather. Likewise, home care staff and Meals at Home drivers are giving advice to service users on keeping hydrated and cool during this period.”

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for parts of the country including the East Midlands and stated that temperatures are 10C higher than average for the time of year.

Jonathan Gribbin, Director of Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, commented: “Vulnerable people such as older people, young children and those with ill health need to take extra precaution but everyone should avoid prolonged periods in the sun, particularly around early afternoon.

“Dehydration is particularly dangerous to the elderly and can cause falls through fainting and increases the risk of heart disease, pressure sores and high blood pressure.”

Top tips for older people include: 

• Have a drink between meals 

• Always have a drink with your meal 

• Have a full glass of water with any medication 

• Drink around 1.6 litres or two and half pints a day but drink more if you are sweating a lot. 

For more advice visit www.nhs.uk/heatwave