Providing care in a heat wave and keeping hydrated

With a heat health warning issued it is important to remember the affect high temperatures can have on a persons health. The UK health security agency lists the following as being at risk

• older people aged over 65 years

• babies and young children under the age of 5 years

• people with underlying health conditions, particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease or mobility problems

• pregnant women

• people on certain medications

• people with serious mental health problems

• people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)

• people with alcohol or drug dependence

• people who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists and walkers

• people who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside

• people experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or those living in hostels

• people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves

Full details of how to act during a heat alert can be viewed here

We have also attached a short summary of the importance of staying hydrated which can be downloaded.

If you would like further information please contact either our Godalming office on 01483 899 350 or our Odiham office on 01276 748 270