How To Cope With A Heatwave

The Signs Of Heat Exhaustion

If you are experiencing headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, fast breathing and intense thirst do cool off immediately and seek medical attention. The severity of heat exhaustion is that if your body temperature rises over 40 degrees centigrade then you can suffer a stroke. In extreme circumstances you can die of the heat. This can affect the elderly more than other age groups. But what can we do to ensure that we stay safe in the heat?

Wear Cool Clothing

Many people make the mistake of wearing too little in hot weather which can cause sunburn. The key is to wear light colours which don't absorb heat and to wear loose clothing which lets air circulate around your body.Also wear materials that breathe like cotton and linen. Hats are also essential, but use hats that offer ventilation.

To help you sleep keep your bedroom cool during the day by keeping curtains closed. get rid of the duvet and sleep under a sheet. Also, investing in an electric fan can be a good idea as this helps move air around your body and helps sweat to evaporate.

Keep Hydrated

When we sweat we lose water, it is essential that that water is replenished. Don't forget that many foods contain water including strawberries, cucumber, lettuce and melon.Try not to drink too many fluids that can actually cause dehydration like coffee and of course alcohol. Also try to avoid drinks high in sugar. There is also evidence that eating spicy food does actually cool you down. The science behind this is that the act of sweating when we eat spicy food is an effective way of releasing excess heat from our bodies.

Stay Indoors

Where possible try to stay indoors. if you do need to go out try to avoid the hottest times of the day. This is between 11 am and 3 pm.Take cold showers or have damp cold towels on hand. Watch the amount of exercise you do. This may be the time to use isotonic drinks as they will help you rehydrate.

Keeping Babies Cool

Babies should really be kept out of the sun where possible, given plenty of fluids and also have high protection sunscreen applied. If you are breastfeeding your baby they will not require additional water but if you are bottle feeding you can give cooled boiled water in addition to milk feeds.

Looking After Your Dogs

the key message is to never leave your dog in a car, conservatory, outbuilding or caravan in this heat. Temperatures can rise to 47 degrees centigrade and your dog could die.You can buy pet suncream to apply to your dogs ears and nose. Make sure your dog is kept in shady, cool conditions and has plenty of cold drinking water on hand. You may also want to buy a paddling pool for your dog to cool down in. Walk your dog in the coolest times of the day i.e early morning and late in the evening and watch out for very hot pavements which can hurt dogs paws. If you place your hand on the pavement, if it feels hot then don't walk your dog on it.

Working In The Heat

To date there is no law in the UK that stipulates how hot it has to be to allow you not to work. Employers however have a duty to make work temperatures reasonable.Employers are asked to ensure that employees have access to water and that strict codes of dress are relaxed.The argument against changes in the law are that some industries have to operate in high temperatures so a change in the law could be unworkable.