Soaring temperatures prompt urgent health warning - The Stratford Observer

Soaring temperatures prompt urgent health warning

Stratford Editorial 19th Jul, 2016 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

SOARING temperatures and ‘heat wave conditions has prompted health chiefs in Warwickshire to urge people 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 a 60 per cent chance of temperatures being high enough until 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’s 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.”

The following advice to try and keep people healthy in the sun and heat:

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

2. Wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes

3. Walk in the shade

4. Apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection

5. Wear a hat and light scarf

6. Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes

7. Drink lots of cool drinks

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

9. 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.

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