West Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust (PCT) is reminding local residents to take care in the sun and keep cool this summer.

The advice follows warnings from the Met Office and the Department of Health that we could experience a heat wave similar to those seen in Europe over the last couple of years.

A special ‘heat – health watch’ will be operating until 15th September 2005 by the Met Office and the Department of Health.

The Health Protection Agency will be monitoring calls made to NHS Direct and visits to GP’s to see how the weather is affecting people’s health. West Gloucestershire PCT will continue to work with local partners such as Social Services and other agencies to make sure there are plans in place in the event of a heat wave being declared.

The PCT’s Director of Public Health, Dr Hugh Annett said:

“Extreme heat is dangerous to everyone and can be very dangerous. The elderly and the very young are most as risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. We are keen to promote the national advice to help keep local people safe.”

Steps to take during a heatwave

• If a heatwave is forecast, try to plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat.
  
  
• If possible, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am - 3pm).
  
  
• If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light loose fitting clothes, preferably cotton. If you will be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you.
  
  
• Take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck.
  
  
• Eat as you normally would. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water.
  
  
• Older people are much more prone to the effects of heat. You can help older relatives or neighbours by checking on them, if possible, every day, and reminding them to drink plenty and often. They should have a mixture of drinks including fruit juice and water. Help them to keep their house as cool as possible, drawing curtains, opening windows at night, or using a fan if necessary.
  
  
• Listen to bulletins on radio and television and follow health advice.
  
  

Who is at risk during a heatwave?

Those at particular risk during a heatwave include:

• older people, especially those over 75 years old and living on their own
  
  
• babies and young children, especially under four years old
  
  
• people suffering from mental ill health, those with dementia, and those who rely on help from other people to manage day-to-day activities
  
  
• people who are bed-bound
  
  
• people taking certain types of medication
  
  
• people suffering from chronic ill health, particularly breathing or heart problems
  
  
• people who use alcohol or illicit drugs
  
  
• people who are physically active such as manual workers, or sportsmen and women

In a severe heatwave the body can overheat and dehydrate, leading to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

What symptoms should you look out for?

• headaches
  
  
• nausea
  
  
• an intense thirst
  
  
• sleepiness,
  
  
• hot red and dry skin
  
  
• a sudden rise in temperature
  
  
• confusion
  
  
• aggression
  
  
• convulsions and a loss of consciousness
  
  
• Heatstroke can develop if heat exhaustion is left untreated but can also occur suddenly and without warning.
  
  

When should you seek advice?