Keeping Cool in hot weather

It seems only a week or two ago we were giving advice on keeping warm in the bitterly cold weather, now we are giving you advice on keeping cool in the current hot conditions!

Although it's tempting to get out in the sunshine after the long winter, Age UK's booklet about keeping cool in a heatwave, advises you to bear in mind these simple measures to keep safe in the sun.

• Don't spend long periods outside in the hottest part of the day
• If you do go out, wear a hat and stay in the shade as much as possible
• If you are travelling by car or public transport, take a bottle of water with you
• Try to limit activities like housework and gardening to early morning or evening
• Indoors, keep blinds or cutains closed in rooms that catch the sun, and keep windows shut while it's cooler inside than out
• Wear loose, lightweight, light coloured cotton clothing
• Take cool baths or showers to cool down. You can also splash your face with cool water or place a damp cloth on the back of your neck
• Drink lots of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Aim for 6-8 glasses of water or more if it's very hot. Try to limit hot drinks and drink cold ones instead
• Even if you don't feel hungry, try to eat normally - you need to replace salt loss from sweating. Salads and fruit are often more appealing in hot weather.