Right at Home North Somerset's guide to keeping cool in hot weather
Top tips on keeping safe and cool when the mercury soars in North Somerset
Published: 26/05/2023
How to prevent heat exhaustion this summer
Here in the UK it can seem like we don’t see warm weather particularly often, so it is often welcomed when we do.
However, this can also mean that we struggle in extreme heat and this can pose risks to health that we may not initially consider. Each year, ailments related to heat such as heatstroke, heat exhaustion or severe sunburn can cause thousands of people to be admitted to hospital.
With frequent heatwave announcements during the summer months, we share our top tips on keeping safe and cool when the mercury soars in North Somerset.
Can hot weather be dangerous?
While some of us may be sun worshippers and love the idea of a heatwave, it can pose health risks for vulnerable people such as babies, older people and those with underlying health conditions or long term illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease or diabetes. As we get older we are less able to control our body temperature as ageing decreases our ability to sweat meaning prolonged high temperatures can be a major health risk.
The main risks, outlined by the NHS are:
- Dehydration (not drinking enough water)
- Overheating
- Heat exhaustion/heatstroke
How to keep cool in hot weather
When the weather is hot, drinking plenty of fluids will ensure that you stay hydrated. You should also avoid excess alcohol and make sure that you avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day which is 11am – 3pm. If you are outside during this time try to keep out of the sun and stick to the shade. Wearing a wide brimmed hat and regularly applying sunscreen can also help. Consider taking a cool shower for a full body cool down, applying a cool damp cloth to the back of your neck or sprinkling water over your skin or clothes to help you cool down.
How to keep your house cool in hot weather
Keeping your house cool in hot weather can seem like a challenge, especially as typical homes in the UK are built to keep heat in rather than out. Make a note of whether the temperature outside is cooler than the inside of your house. If so, get your windows and doors open to circulate cool fresh air, but if it’s warmer outside than inside keep windows and doors tightly shut to avoid letting in warm air. When the temperature drops at night, open windows then. Keep curtains closed in rooms that face the sun, this will help to stop rooms heating up and keep rooms cooler.
What food should I eat during hot weather?
Try to include plenty of foods with a high water content such as cucumber, celery and melon which are all 95% water. Salads are a brilliant hot weather staple being high in water content and cool as well. Fruit, either in smoothies or by itself is also a good choice – strawberries, oranges and pineapple all have a high water content.
How to sleep in hot weather
When the weather is hot it is common to have problems drifting off. Look at the environment you are sleeping in and see if there is anything you can do to make it cooler. Use a lower tog duvet (between 2.5-7 tog are often marketed as summer duvets) or even a flat sheet, and consider placing a fan in the room and leaving your bedroom door open to increase air flow. If the noise from a fan prevents you sleeping, try filling a hot water bottle with cool or cold water or if you are able, consider putting your pillowcase and sheet in a bag and in the freezer for an hour before going to bed. Before going to bed soak your feet in cool water for 10 minutes as heat is lost faster through your head and feet. Regardless of the temptation, avoid napping during the day as this could leave you struggling even more to get to sleep at night.
What are the signs of overheating?
Once the body temperature reaches 40°C or higher the signs of heatstroke can become apparent. The symptoms are similar to heat exhaustion, but may also include difficulty breathing, stopping sweating, dry skin and even loss of consciousness. If you know someone who lives alone or is vulnerable then consider checking up on them to make sure that they are coping.
For more top tips on keeping cool during the hot weather, take a look at the NHS website. If you’d like information on Right at Home North Somerset and the homecare services we offer, please get in touch with us on 01934 235410
About Us
Right at Home North Somerset provides high quality home care services for you or your loved ones within North Somerset and the surrounding areas.
We offer bespoke care, ranging from assistance in the morning or evening, to 24hr support, from fully trained, compassionate Care Givers. We can offer respite care and support for families who are caring for a loved one as well as being able to support a wide range of specialist care needs such as dementia support, cancer care and support with complex medical conditions.
We are keen to make it as easy as possible to arrange care or support, and offer a wide range of services such as domestic care (light housework, meal preparation etc), companionship and support with getting out and about, personal care services such as helping with washing or dressing or assistance with medication, and hospital to home care.
Right at Home North Somerset is committed to improving the quality of life for our clients and enabling them to retain their independence, supporting them to live safely & happily in their own homes.
