July 19, 2016
Tips for keeping cool
Finally summer seems to have found our fair isle – with the 19th July being cited as the hottest day of the year, most Irish people are thrilled with a bit of good drying weather and the chance to enjoy a seasonable few days, while topping up our Vitamin D. However, just as severe cold weather is something to take care in, the heat can bring it’s own drawbacks. Here are some important tips for keeping cool and safe in very warm weather.
Avoid the heat
- Keep out of the sun between 11.00am and 3.00pm.
- If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen with UVA protection and wear a hat and light scarf.
- Avoid extreme physical exertion. Keep any strenuous outdoor activity, like sport, DIY or gardening, for cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening.
- Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes and a hat to shade face, neck and ears
- Wear a broad brimmed hat and sunscreen with UVA protection factor 20, 30, 40, or 50 depending on your skin type.
- Wear sunglasses
Cool down
- Drink plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.
- Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content.
- Take a cool shower, bath or body wash.
- Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.
Keep the house cool
- Keep your living space cool. This is especially important for the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or those who can’t look after themselves.
- Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped.
- Close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun.
- Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat.
- Keep plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air.
- If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping.
Be aware of
- Many prescription medicines can reduce your tolerance of heat. You should keep taking your medicines, but take extra care to keep cool.
- Danger symptoms to watch out for in hot weather include: feeling faint and dizzy, short of breath, vomiting or increasing confusion. Take immediate action if danger symptoms of heatstroke are present: Cool down as quickly as possible. Seek further advice from a doctor, or ring 999 if the person has collapsed.
- Keep medicines below 25°C or in the refrigerator (read the storage instructions on the packaging).
- Seek medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking multiple medications.
If you don’t feel well
- Try to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache; move to a cool place as soon as possible.
- Drink some water or juice to rehydrate.
- Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular cramps
- Consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist.
Seek advice if you have any concerns
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