Following the last Newsdesk article on Keeping Warm, we thought some information regarding the effects of the sun would be appropriate.
The details below are taken from the NHS leaflet as stated below.
Most of us enjoy the sunshine. A little daily sun exposure can help protect our health. Our easiest and most common source of vitamin D is exposure to the sun.Here we have ways to enjoy the hot weather safely:
If you can, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm).
Use factor 15+ sunscreen.
If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, such as sport, DIY or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day, like early morning.
When you go out, try to stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton. If you will be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you.
Ways to stay cool
Stay inside, in the coolest rooms in your home, as much as possible.
Close the curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun.
In a heatwave keep windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside. Open them when the temperature rises, and at night for ventilation but be security conscious.
Take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck
Drink Regularly
Drink regularly even if you do not feel thirsty - water or fruit juice are best.
Try to avoid alcohol, tea and coffee. They make dehydration worse.
Eat as you normally would. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads or fruit, which contain water.
If taking physical exercise, you need to drink half a litre of fluid at least half an hour beforehand and continue to replenish your fluids during and after exercising.
What should you do?
Mostly it’s a matter of common sense. Listen to your local weather forecast so you know if a heatwave is on the way.
Protect children. Young children need plenty of fluids so keep a close eye on them. Check whether they are passing urine regularly and that it is not too dark. This is a good way to check if they are drinking enough. Nappies should be checked regularly. Babies and the very young must be kept out of the sun. Older people are more prone to the effects of heat. If you have older relatives or neighbours you can help simply by checking on them and reminding them to drink plenty and often. Also help them to keep their house as cool as possible, using a fan if necessary. Seek advice if you have any concerns Contact your doctor, a pharmacist or NHS direct if you are worried about your health during a heatwave, especially if you are taking medication or have any unusual symptoms.Meanwhile rest for several hours, keep cool and drink water or fruit juice.
heck the weather forecast and any high temperature health warnings at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/
Contact NHS direct on 0845 4647 or NHS Direct Online at http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/ for advice about heat exhaustion and heatstroke. You can get advice on protecting your skin during hot weather from the Cancer Research UK SunSmart campaign website at www.cancerresearch.org/sunsmart/bove information taken from the following:
NHS/ Department of Health Leaflet 40313/ 2006 Heatwave: A Guide to Looking After Yourself and Others During Hot Weather Department of Health (2003) Ten Tips for Surviving Summer Sun http://www.safekids.co.uk/| Next > |
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