Top tips for staying cool as temperatures soar across Essex
Take care in the heatwave - Credit: Archant
With temperatures rising to over 30 degrees this week, it is tempting to spend hours bathing in the sun, but staying safe under the rays is vital.
The NHS has released a handy guide to make sure you enjoy the sunshine safely, which is particularly important for children, pregnant women and the elderly.
Dr Christine Moss, local GP and Clinical Director at NHS West Essex CCG, said: “There’s a lot to enjoy in west Essex when the weather is nice and by following these simple tips to stay cool, everyone can enjoy the warm weather safely.
The guide emphasises the importance of staying hydrated; water is best, and hot drinks should be limited when the weather is unusually warm.
Avoiding the sun in its peak periods between 11 o’clock in the morning and 3 o’clock in the afternoon is another recommendation, as well as forgoing extreme exercise.
If you are out and about though, make sure to apply a high factor sunscreen. The number on the front, however, is only an indication of superficial resistance. Instead, check the number of stars on the bottle to make sure deeper layers of skin are protected throughout the day.
Even when staying inside, keep windows shut and turn off any unnecessary lighting and electrical items.
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Dr Moss added: “Pollen levels also remain high and you should ask your local pharmacist for help managing the symptoms of hayfever if you need it.”
As well as us, pets are vulnerable to the hot weather too, and keeping them cool is important for avoiding heat stroke or even skin cancer.
Keeping dogs hydrated is a must, and adding a few cubes of ice to their bowl will help them cool down quickly.
Shade is a welcome relief for pooches too, but kennels and dog houses will only retain heat. Instead, find a spot under a tree where there is natural air flow to cool your pup.
If your pet does suffer from heat stroke, move them into a shady space and apply a cold towel to their head, neck and chest before contacting a vet.
If you feel unwell during the hot weather, head down to your local pharmacy or GP, or call NHS 111 service. The free helpline will assess your symptoms and give advice on what to do next.
