Memories of 1976

Not all of us have the luxury of a hammock on the sea to cool down in this current spate of hot weather - and with temperatures set to continue how can we keep cool in this sticky heat?

Out and About

• It is very important you protect your skin - a good suncream with a high SPF (at least 15) with 4 or 5 stars is needed.  You need to reapply every two hours - and after you have been in water (once you have dried off!)
• A Hat will protect your head, where your skin is very thin and can burn very easily!  This is particularly important because as we age as our hair can get thinner - leaving our scalp exposed.
• Sunglasses with an CE or UV400 label on the lens will protect your eyes from damage - and stop you squinting in bright light helping to prevent those little lines at the corner of your eyes!
• Natural fibre layers are more comfortable than synthetics, Loose is cooler than tight and you may find that longer sleeves and trousers add a level of protection from the suns rays.
• Try not to run your errands and be outside between 11am and 3pm.  This is when the sun is the strongest and does the most damage.
• One of the benefits of these bright days is that they encourage your body to produce Vitamin D.  A short sit outside (just 15 minutes is plenty) early morning or in the evening will help you a lot.

Staying Inside

• Keep hydrated - sip water, throughout the day.  You can of course drink tea, coffee, flavoured water juices etc... but water is definitely best!
• Keep curtains closed and windows open to keep the temperture down inside the house.
• Heat rises - so if you can open your loft hatch it will help.  Staying downstairs will also help.
• If you have an electric fan placing a bowl of ice in front of it creates a lovely cool breeze
• Fill an old sock or the leg of an old pair of tights with rice and tie in a knot.  Put in the freezer for a couple of hours and it makes a lovely cool pack for the back of the neck, under the feet, over the eyes...
• Run cool water over your wrists to feel instantly cooler.
• A tepid shower is better than a cold one to feel refreshed.
• A damp teatowel on the back of the neck is also cooling and refreshing.
• Dig out that hotwater bottle and fill it with cold water to help you sleep.
• It's very easy to loose your appetite when it's hot.  Do make sure you eat though as you loose essential salts from your body as you sweat.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

• The symptoms of Heat Exhaustion can be subtle- so make sure you keep an eye on yourself or your neighbours..
  • headache
  • dizzyness
  • nausea or vomiting
  • intense thirst
  • heavy sweating
  • fast pulse
• If you think you or somebody has heat exhaustion then
  • find a cool place
  • loosen tight clothes
  • drink lots of water or juice
  • have a cool shower or sponge with cool water
• Things should improve quickly within 30 minutes.  If they don't call your GP or NHS 111 for advice.

Signs of Heat Stroke

• Heat Stroke can develop when Heat Exhaustion isn't treated, or can come on very suddenly with no previous symptoms.
• The symptoms of heatstroke include:
  • confusion
  • disorintation
  • fits or seizures
  • fainting or loss of consciousness
• Heatstroke is life threatening so it is important an ambulance is called immediately.  While you wait follow the advice given for heat exhaustion - but obviously don't give drinks to an unconscious person!