Tips for coping with hot temperatures

With hot temperatures forecast, south west Londoners are being reminded of some simple ways to cope.

The NHS is offering people some tips to beat the heat while also asking them to check on elderly friends and relatives as they are particularly at risk of becoming unwell in high temperatures.

They are also being reminded of the dangers of sunburn, which can increase the risk of skin cancer.

South west London’s chief medical officer Dr John Byrne said: “We hope people enjoy the sunny weather after some less than summery spells recently but we’d also ask them to look after themselves and check in with family, friends and neighbours.

“Much of the heat advice is common sense, such as drinking plenty of water, sticking to the shade and wearing sun cream out and about – please remember that sunburn increases the likelihood of skin cancer so it’s important people take more care.

“Heat can have a big impact on health for children, babies and people with long-term conditions as well as older people so please remember the NHS is here for everyone who needs it.”

Dr Byrne said that if you need medical help or advice your local pharmacy can help with a range of minor health conditions. If you need urgent help please go to 111.nhs.uk first, unless it is a life-threatening emergency in which case, call 999.

Go to NHS 111 online

Top tips for coping in hot weather

Keep out of the heat if you can.
If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
Cool yourself down. Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.
Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down.

Visit nhs.uk to find out how you can stay sun safe, including what factor sunscreen you should be using

How to spot if someone has heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that can occur after you’ve been exposed to high temperatures. If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be cooled down and given fluids.
Make sure you know the signs of heat exhaustion:

Headache
Dizziness or confusion
Loss of appetite and feeling sick
Excessive sweating
Cramps
Being very thirsty
A high temperature
Fast breathing or pulse

If you spot these symptoms in someone, cool them down, get them to drink plenty of water and stay with them until they’re better. Find more on how to treat somebody with heat exhaustion at nhs.uk

Tips if hot weather sets off your asthma

Keep taking your regular preventer inhaler so you’re less likely to get symptoms. And carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times so you’re ready if symptoms do come on.
Go for regular asthma reviews to check you’re on the right meds for you, and you’re taking your inhalers in the best way to get the benefits through the summer months.
Use your written asthma action plan so you know what to do if hot weather triggers symptoms.
If you’re using your reliever inhaler three or more times a week, or you’ve noticed the hot weather’s made your symptoms worse, book an extra catch-up with your doctor or asthma nurse.
Keep inhalers in a cool place out of direct sunlight so they continue to work well. Try keeping your reliever in a cool bag when you’re out and about on a hot day. Don’t add any ice to the bag though, because your inhaler needs to be kept dry.
Keep an eye on pollen forecasts and find out more about why staying on top of your hay fever symptoms with antihistamines is good for your asthma too.
Plan any outdoor activities for earlier in the day when the air quality tends to be better, including exercise.

Find out how you can stay well with Asthma and Lung UK’s tips on looking after your lungs in the heat.

Tips if you have hayfever

Your local high street pharmacy can help with advice and over the counter medicine around hayfever.
Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes.
Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off.
Stay indoors whenever possible and keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.
Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth.
Do not cut or walk on grass or keep fresh flowers in the house.
Do not smoke or be around smoke – it makes your symptoms worse.
Do not dry clothes outside – they can catch pollen.

Visit nhs.uk to find out what you can do to ease your hay fever symptoms.