The danger with too much heat should never be
underestimated. Heat can kill in a remarkably short space
of time and with relatively little warning and yet just by
taking a few simple precautions like getting plenty of
fluids, staying out of the midday sun and investing in an
electric fan to keep you cool, you can avoid a catastrophe.
According to the NHS Heat Wave Plan for England, during one
spell of hot weather in 2003, the number of deaths of
people over the age of 75 in London alone rose by a massive
60 percent. During that same year, Northern France suffered
15,000 additional deaths; it's important to note that these
deaths are on top of what would normally be expected at
that time of year. Those most at risk from the effects of
the heat exhaustion and sunstroke or heatstroke include the
following:
- Small children and babies
- The elderly who do not sweat as much and are less likely
to feel the heat or notice the effects of heat exhaustion
- The sick or infirm who may be unable to get out of the
sun as easily and whose bodies are less able to cope with
higher temperatures
- The mentally ill or those suffering from dementia
- People on certain types of medication
- Those living on their own or who are isolated
- Those who live in caravans, chalets and mobile homes or
in top floor flats where the heat is likely to be more
intense
- People working in places where the temperature is already
high, such as in kitchens, bakeries and foundries
- Anyone, anywhere who finds themselves in a building
during a heat wave where there is no air conditioning and
no cooling fan
What is Heat exhaustion and Sunstroke/Heatstroke?
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is starting to feel
the effects of too much heat, symptoms of which can include
headache, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, slow pulse
and dehydration. If nothing is done to alleviate the
problem, replace fluids and cool the body down, then it can
very quickly lead to sunstroke or heatstroke. This is a
serious condition where the body is no longer able to
regulate temperature so cannot cool itself. Body
temperature then rises rapidly leading to the possibility
of hallucinations, confusion, convulsions and loss of
consciousness.
How to cope with a summer heat wave
- Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel
particularly thirsty, this is vitally important in order to
replace body fluids and prevent dehydration
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol which increases the risk
of dehydration
- Don't overeat or indulge in hot and spicy foods, and opt
for lighter colder meals instead
- Avoid hot baths and showers
- Close curtains or blinds that get direct sunlight and
turn on an electric fan to cool the room
- Never leave children, pets or an elderly or disabled
person alone in a car for any length of time, the heat can
be intense and quickly lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion
and even death
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing
- Wear sunscreen and a sunhat when exposed to the sun
- Try to stay inside when the sun is at its hottest,
between 11 am and 3 pm
During the summer months even a short spell of heat can
have disastrous consequences, indeed most deaths occur
during the first couple of days of the temperature rising.
Don't take risks with yourself or loved ones. Be sure to
check on elderly relatives, neighbours and friends
regularly and make sure they have plenty of fluids and a
fan to cool them down.
Heat waves can come at any time during the summer months
but according to experts, climate change means that heat
waves and hot spells are likely to become more common so
it's better to be informed now and therefore better
prepared in future.
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Staying cool in the summer is vital for some people. A
great way to stay cool is to buy electric fans to create a
cool breeze through your home.For more information about
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