Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot, there are health risks. During heatwaves, more people than usual get seriously ill or die. When hot weather hits make sure it does not harm you or anyone you know.
Why is a heatwave a problem?
The main risks posed by a heatwave are:
- not drinking enough water (dehydration)
- overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
- heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Who's most at risk?
A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are:
- older people – especially those over 75 and female
- those who live on their own or in a care home
- people who have a serious or long-term illness including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease or some mental health conditions
- people who are on multiple medicines that may make them more likely to be badly affected by hot weather
- those who may find it hard to keep cool – babies and the very young, the bed bound, those with drug or alcohol addictions or with Alzheimer's disease
- people who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places – those who live in a top-floor flat, the homeless or those whose jobs are outside
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. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/heat
Type 2 Diabetes
Around 200,000 people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes every year – putting them at risk of potentially serious health complications and early death. Modern life can make it hard to be healthy but, for many people, type 2 diabetes can be prevented by making small lifestyle changes. Diabetes is a leading cause of vision loss in people of working age. It is also responsible for most cases of kidney failure and lower limb amputation (other than accidents), and people with diabetes are up to five times more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke than those without diabetes. However, type 2 diabetes can be prevented by:
• Managing your weight,
• Eating healthily and
• Being more active
Making small changes to your lifestyle now can make a big impact on your future health – and having experts to help you make the right choices along the way can make it even easier.
The Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is a free programme for those who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. You can get help to make positive changes to your diet, weight and physical activity to significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Find out if you’re at risk of developing type 2 diabetes by doing any of the following:
• Answering a few simple questions on the ‘Know Your Risk’ tool at riskscore.diabetes.org.uk
• Taking up the offer of a free NHS Health Check to assess your risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other conditions such as high blood pressure (available for those aged 40-74)
• Asking your GP Practice to check if you are at risk. If you are at risk, you may be eligible for referral to the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme by your GP Practice
Help us, Help You
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in England, the chance of getting breast cancer increases as you get older.
Regular breast screening is one of the best ways to spot a cancer that is too small to feel or see yourself – it saves around 1,300 lives each year in the UK.
Anyone registered with a GP as female aged from 50 up to their 71st birthday will be invited for NHS breast screening every 3 years. You'll automatically get your first invite for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53. You'll get a letter in the post inviting you.
Finding cancer early can make it more likely that treatment will be successful.
Breast screening can detect cancer long before you can even feel it. Or more likely, put your mind at rest.
So when you're invited, save the date, it could save your life.