Heatwave - stay safe - The Rugby Observer

Heatwave - stay safe

Rugby Editorial 30th Jun, 2015 Updated: 27th Oct, 2016   0

WITH temperatures set to soar over the next two days people are being urged to look out for the vulnerable.

Although welcomed by most, hot weather can cause a real danger to health – particularly to the very elderly and the seriously ill.

People with existing medical conditions and the very young are also potentially at risk during a warm spell.

The Met Office raised the heat wave warning to level two predicting an 80 per cent chance of temperatures being high enough between Tuesday and Thursday to have a significant effect on health.




The news has led to health and social care partners across Warwickshire to come together to give some simple advice on how to enjoy the hot weather responsibly.

Dr John Linnane, Director of Public Health at Warwickshire County Council, said: “During hot spells vulnerable groups, such as the older people, feel the severe effects of heat more than others and it has long been recognised that death rates rise in the early stages of heat waves.


“The best advice is to relax, stay cool, drink lots of cold fluids and if you can, keep an eye on those you know to be at risk.”

Many members of the Muslim community may be fasting during the daylight hours in the month of Ramadan – which this year falls between June 17 and July 17.

Jacqueline Barnes, Chief Nurse at NHS Coventry and Rugby Clinical Commissioning Group, added: “It is common for people to have one meal just before sunrise and an evening meal after sunset during Ramadan.

“During hot weather, dehydration is a common and serious risk. It is important to balance food and fluid intake between fasts and especially to drink enough water.”

Partners in Warwickshire have issued the following advice to try and keep people healthy in the sun and heat:

* Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm

* Wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes

* Walk in the shade

* Apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection

* Wear a hat and light scarf

* Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes

* Drink lots of cool drinks

* Look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as the older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses

* Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals

For more information on how to enjoy the sun safely, visit Cancer Research’s SunSmart website.

 

PET owners are being urged to think of their dogs, cats and small animals during the hot weather.

While most people know not to leave pets in the car, few know it can heat up just as quickly in a caravan or conservatory.

Even when it feels mild outside it can reach 130 degrees in less than 30 minutes.

And when pets are outside they are equally at risk if they do not have access to shade or cold water.

Clinical director of vet practice Vets4Pets, Huw Stacey said: “Hot and even warm weather can cause real problems for our pets.

“While most people think about dogs and cats, we must also help our pet rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets safe in the summer heat.

“Runs should have shady, covered areas and owners should remember that as the sun moves throughout the day the shade will move too.

“Pets should always have access to shade and cold water to reduce the risk of heatstroke.”

Visit www.vets4pets.com/pet-advice/dog-advice/dog-health-advice/heatwave-tips/ to find out more about keeping pets cool during the summer months and what to do if you suspect your pet has heatstroke.

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