HEALTH professionals in the south west have come up with a list of tips to keep cool during the heatwave.
NHS advice includes keeping out of the heat as much as possible but if anyone has to go outside, especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes and avoid any exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
If you have to go outside, stay in the shade. The advice is to try to cool down.
Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on skin or clothes.
At home, the advice is to keep living spaces cool, close windows during the day and open at night when the temperature outside has gone down.
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.
To help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke:
- drink plenty of cold drinks, especially when exercising
- take cool baths or showers
- wear light-coloured, loose clothing
- sprinkle water over skin or clothes
- avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
- avoid excess alcohol
- avoid extreme exercise
This will also prevent dehydration and help your body keep itself cool.
Keep an eye on children, the elderly and people with long-term health conditions (like diabetes or heart problems) because they’re more at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.