Phew - what a scorcher!
Latest news from Carmarthenshire Council's press office - Keep Cool and Well this Summer
Most of us enjoy sunny weather, but extreme heat can seriously damage your health.
With summer temperatures set to rise further, people are being encouraged to look after themselves and others during prolonged periods of hot weather.
The Carmarthenshire Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Partnership has published a series of leaflets and posters to warn people of the dangers of extreme heat, and to advise of measures people can take to keep cool.
The advice is available online at www.healthchallengecarmarthenshire.org.uk.
It urges people to avoid going out in the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm, particularly more vulnerable people including older people and young children.
If going out is essential, then people are advised to stay in the shade, to wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes - preferably cotton, and to make sure they always apply high protection sun cream and carry a bottle of water.
Even indoors it is important to keep cool – people are advised to stay in the coolest rooms of their home and to close curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun. They are also advised to keep windows open to aid ventilation, but to make sure homes remain secure by opening windows on the first floor or above.
Taking cool baths and splashing the face and back of the neck with cold water and using a ceiling or portable fan are also good ways to keep cool.
Eating and drinking well is also important - try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit which contain water; drink lots of water and fruit juice, and try to avoid alcohol, tea and coffee, which make dehydration worse.
Heatstroke can develop very suddenly, and can rapidly lead to unconsciousness. Symptoms include headaches; intense thirst; hot, red and dry skin; confusion and convulsions.
Anyone who suspects they, or someone else, may have heatstroke, should contact a doctor or NHS Direct straight away.
People should also be aware of any unusual symptoms, especially in people who are taking medication.
Watch for cramp in arms, legs or stomach, feelings of mild confusion, weakness or problems sleeping.
Jane Jeffs, chair of the Carmarthenshire Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Partnership, said: “We urge people to look after themselves during extremely warm weather – but also to keep an eye on family, friends and neighbours.
“There is plenty of advice available about ways to keep cool, but vulnerable people may struggle and it is important that we are able to help them.”
Helplines:
NHS Direct - health advice and information 24 hours a day - 0845 46 47
Cancer Research UK Sunsmart, for advice about skin protection - 0800 226237
Bobby Van Scheme, for advice about security - 08453 302 000
Food Standards Agency Wales - 029 2067 8999
Most of us enjoy sunny weather, but extreme heat can seriously damage your health.
With summer temperatures set to rise further, people are being encouraged to look after themselves and others during prolonged periods of hot weather.
The Carmarthenshire Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Partnership has published a series of leaflets and posters to warn people of the dangers of extreme heat, and to advise of measures people can take to keep cool.
The advice is available online at www.healthchallengecarmarthenshire.org.uk.
It urges people to avoid going out in the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm, particularly more vulnerable people including older people and young children.
If going out is essential, then people are advised to stay in the shade, to wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes - preferably cotton, and to make sure they always apply high protection sun cream and carry a bottle of water.
Even indoors it is important to keep cool – people are advised to stay in the coolest rooms of their home and to close curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun. They are also advised to keep windows open to aid ventilation, but to make sure homes remain secure by opening windows on the first floor or above.
Taking cool baths and splashing the face and back of the neck with cold water and using a ceiling or portable fan are also good ways to keep cool.
Eating and drinking well is also important - try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit which contain water; drink lots of water and fruit juice, and try to avoid alcohol, tea and coffee, which make dehydration worse.
Heatstroke can develop very suddenly, and can rapidly lead to unconsciousness. Symptoms include headaches; intense thirst; hot, red and dry skin; confusion and convulsions.
Anyone who suspects they, or someone else, may have heatstroke, should contact a doctor or NHS Direct straight away.
People should also be aware of any unusual symptoms, especially in people who are taking medication.
Watch for cramp in arms, legs or stomach, feelings of mild confusion, weakness or problems sleeping.
Jane Jeffs, chair of the Carmarthenshire Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Partnership, said: “We urge people to look after themselves during extremely warm weather – but also to keep an eye on family, friends and neighbours.
“There is plenty of advice available about ways to keep cool, but vulnerable people may struggle and it is important that we are able to help them.”
Helplines:
NHS Direct - health advice and information 24 hours a day - 0845 46 47
Cancer Research UK Sunsmart, for advice about skin protection - 0800 226237
Bobby Van Scheme, for advice about security - 08453 302 000
Food Standards Agency Wales - 029 2067 8999
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