29/6/2009

Stay safe in the sun

We recommend that you avoid heatstroke by keeping hydrated and staying out of the heat...

While many of us have been longing for some proper summer weather, it is important to look after yourself when it's hot.

When the weather is hot our body sweats to cool down. This means that we lose more liquid than usual from our body.

Make sure you drink plenty of water to keep from getting dehydrated and avoid getting heatstroke.

Heatstroke can happen when the temperature is high, no matter whether it's sunny or not, and can be fatal when the body's temperature rises too high.

Pre-existing heart conditions

For those with an underlying heart condition the hot weather can be a problem.

This is particularly true for anyone with heart failure, which is where the heart is not pumping well.

Heatstroke can cause a drop in blood pressure and increase in heart rate which can put them at risk.

For these people it is especially important not to get dehydrated, and to keep in the shade during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am-3pm.

They should also make sure that their home is cool when they are staying indoors.

Vulnerable people

The elderly and very young have more difficulty regulating their temperature and so they can be more at risk from extreme temperatures.

It is important that they are not in the heat for long periods of time and drink adequate fluids.

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