NHS Surrey and Sussex encourages people to stay safe as temperatures rise again
The local NHS is encouraging people to take simple steps to stay well as temperatures are expected to reach the 30s across parts of Surrey and Sussex this week.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in partnership with the Met Office, has issued a Heat-Health Alert for the South East as temperatures rise for the second time in recent weeks.
While this spell of hot weather is not expected to be as intense or humid as the recent heatwave, high temperatures can still have a significant impact on health, particularly for older people, babies and young children, pregnant women and those with long-term health conditions.
Dr Charlotte Canniff, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Surrey and Sussex, said:
Even when temperatures are not at heatwave levels, hot weather can still have an impact on our health. We encourage everyone to take some simple precautions to keep themselves and those around them safe.
Remember to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day where possible, and check in on family members, friends and neighbours who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
NHS Surrey and Sussex is reminding people to:
- Drink plenty of water and avoid excess alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.
- Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest.
- Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat if spending time outdoors.
- Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and reapply it regularly.
- Keep homes cool by closing curtains or blinds in rooms that face the sun and opening windows when it is cooler outside.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest part of the day where possible.
- Never leave babies, children, older people or pets in parked vehicles, even for a short time.
- Check regularly on older relatives, neighbours and anyone with underlying health conditions to make sure they are keeping cool and drinking enough fluids.
It is also important to recognise the signs of heat exhaustion, which include headache, dizziness, excessive sweating, feeling sick and tiredness. If someone is not cooling down or becomes confused, loses consciousness or has a high body temperature, it could be heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Call 999 immediately.
People who need NHS advice should use NHS 111 online in the first instance or contact their GP practice. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.