05/08/2003
Government advice to stay cool during heat wave
With temperatures expected to hit record-breaking highs this week, the Department of Health has compiled 10 tips to help people keep cool and avoid heat-related illnesses during this period.
Not only are daytime temperatures predicted to rise to 100°F (38°C) in the south east of England, but temperatures during the night are expected to remain as high as 75°F (24°C). These nighttime highs prevent the body from cooling down and recovering from its exposure to daytime heat.
The Department of Health advises people to:
A Department of Health spokesperson said: "This week's temperatures are unusually high and people need to take extra care. The tips issued today are common sense precautions and will help people enjoy the weather whilst protecting themselves from the dangerous, and potentially fatal, effects of these temperatures."
(GMcG)
Not only are daytime temperatures predicted to rise to 100°F (38°C) in the south east of England, but temperatures during the night are expected to remain as high as 75°F (24°C). These nighttime highs prevent the body from cooling down and recovering from its exposure to daytime heat.
The Department of Health advises people to:
- stay in the shade or indoors
- use sunscreen and cover up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses
- increase your fluid intake and take more than the recommended daily intake of fluid (2.5 litres or eight glasses per day) in extreme heat
- ventilate your home and keep windows open all day and all night and use fans look after the elderly
- protect children
- avoid excessive physical exertion
- know the perils of outdoor eating – ie making sure that barbecued meat is thoroughly cooked
- be sensible with alcohol
- keep cool at work
A Department of Health spokesperson said: "This week's temperatures are unusually high and people need to take extra care. The tips issued today are common sense precautions and will help people enjoy the weather whilst protecting themselves from the dangerous, and potentially fatal, effects of these temperatures."
(GMcG)
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