Hot temperature tips

Tips on staying cool in hot temperatures

WITH WALES expecting warm weather over the weekend, Age Cymru is offering advice to older people on how to stay cool in hot temperatures.

The charity is providing the information so that older people can enjoy the summer safely.

Rhian Pearce, Age Cymru's Health Initiatives Officer says:

"Most of us are probably hoping for a sunny summer over the next few months.

"But if the weather gets too hot, it is important that older people know how to take care of themselves.

"This is why Age Cymru recommends a list of summer tips for older people so that they can have an enjoyable summer.

"These are common sense tips that we should all take notice of whether we're older people, or if we've got older family members or older friends or neighbours."

Age Cymru's summer tips for older people:

1. Try and plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat in the hottest part of the day (11am - 3pm);
2. If you must go out stay in the shade, wear a hat and light loose fitting clothes which are preferably cotton;
3. If you will be outside for some time, take plenty of fresh drinking water with you as well as a high factor suncream/block;
4. Take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck;
5. Drink regularly even if you do not feel thirsty. Water/fruit juice is best and try to avoid alcohol;
6. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water;
7. Close the curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun;
8. Open windows when the temperature inside rises, and at night for ventilation;
9. If you are worried about security, at least open windows on the first floor and above;