You probably don’t need VB to tell you that it’s rather hot outside at the moment.

And (if you listen to the news) you probably don’t need us to tell you that the Government have moved their heatwave alert level from 2 to 3!

We understand that tomorrow temperatures are expected to peak at 81°F (that’s 27°C)!

The IOW NHS Team have sent through some helpful advice for Islanders to consider during the ‘heatwave’ and although most of it is pretty much common sense, it’s always worth a quick check through to see if there is anything you hadn’t thought of.

The advice to Islanders is to:
Keep out of the heat
· If a heatwave is forecast, try and plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat.
· If you can, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am – 3pm).
· If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, like sport, DIY, or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening.
· 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.

Stay cool
· A loose, cotton, damp cloth or scarf on the back of the neck, or spraying or splashing your face and the back of your neck with cold water several times a day can help keep you cool.
· Stay inside, in the coolest rooms in your home, as much as possible.
· Reduce heat from sunlight coming through the windows. External shading, e.g. shutters, is best. Metal blinds and dark curtains may absorb heat and make the room warmer – it is best to use pale curtains or reflective material.
· Keep windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside. Open them when the temperature inside rises, and at night for ventilation.
· If you are worried about security, at least open windows on the first floor and above.
· Indoor and outdoor plants will help keep your home cool due to evaporation and the shading from trees and bushes.
· Take cool showers or baths.

Drink regularly
· Drink regularly even if you do not feel thirsty – water or fruit juice are best.
· Try to avoid alcohol, tea and coffee. They make dehydration worse.
· Eat as you normally would. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water.

Seek advice if you have any concerns
· Contact your doctor, a pharmacist or NHS Direct if you are worried about your health during a heatwave, especially if you are taking medication, if you feel unwell or have any unusual symptoms.
· Watch for cramp in your arms, legs or stomach, feelings of mild confusion, weakness or problems sleeping.
· If you have these symptoms, rest for several hours, keep cool and drink water or fruit juice. Seek medical advice if they get worse or don’t go away.

Dr Jenifer Smith, Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer for the Isle of Wight says: “Although severe heat waves are uncommon in England, the experience across Northwest Europe in 2003, when 27,000 people died as a direct cause of the heatwave that year, is a reminder that heat can be fatal. In case of a heatwave, make sure you look after your own health and that of your family. It is not just children who need special attention; be aware that elderly people are also at risk, and make sure they are being checked on.”

Image: The Fast Show, BBC

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