Staying cool and safe in the summer
While some people enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather, heatwaves can be dangerous, especially for those more vulnerable to extreme temperatures. When the body struggles to regulate its temperature and maintain proper hydration, it can lead to serious conditions like heat exhaustion or even heatstroke.
Let’s explore who is most at risk, how to recognise the warning signs, and what simple steps can help keep everyone safe and cool during the hottest days of summer.
Who’s most at risk:
- Older people – especially females over 75
- Those who live alone/or are socially isolated or in a care home
- People who have a serious or long-term illness including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney diseases, Parkinson’s disease or some mental health conditions.
- Those taking medication that may increase the chances of being adversely affected by hot weather.
- Babies and the very young, the bed bound, those with drug or alcohol addictions or with Alzheimer’s disease may find it hard to keep cool.
Is it heatstroke or heat exhaustion? Know the differences.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency where the body’s temperature regulation fails causing the core body temperature to rise to dangerous levels of above 104 Fahrenheit or 40 degrees
Symptoms include:
- Feeling confused
- No sweating
- Temperature over 40C, hot, dry skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- May lose consciousness or experience convulsions or seizures
Heat exhaustion is a less severe condition where the body struggles to regulate temperature but does not reach dangerous levels.
Symptoms include:
- Feeling faint of dizzy
- Excessive sweating
- Clammy skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
Top tips to stay cool in the summer:
To prevent your cared for developing heatstroke or exhaustion, there are some proactive actions you can take.
- Avoid being in the sun between 11am-3pm, when it is strongest.
- Keep to the shade, wear a hat and suncream.
- Stay hydrated. Keep plenty of water to hand.
- Keep windows and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day and open during cooler periods.
- Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
- If you’re too hot in your home, visit a public place such as Library/community centre or shopping centre which uses air conditioning.
- Turn off appliances, when not in use, to avoid generating unnecessary heat.