Stay safe in the sun

WITH temperatures set to soar into the upper 20s, and possibly even 30 degrees celsius for the next few days, people are being urged to stay safe in the sun.

Dr John Linnane, Director of Public Health for Warwickshire County Council, said: “While we might all welcome some sunshine, particularly over a summer’s weekend, it is important to remember that there can be some real health risks linked to high temperatures.”

Public Health Warwickshire has issued the following tips to ensure a fun but healthy sunny few days:

* Keep out of the heat – avoid being out between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest.

* If you do go out, keep in the shade and wear a hat.

* Save any vigorous activity/exercise for cooler parts of the day.

* Make sure you apply sunblock to yourself and others you are responsible for.

* Drink cold drinks regularly.

* Avoid excess alcohol.

* Take cool showers or baths.

* Never leave children, babies or pets in a hot car.

* Check up on people with health problems and also older people.

And the warning was echoed by Steve Wheaton, Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer with West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS).

He said: “Historically, when the weather is good, there is greater demand on both the ambulance service and the NHS as a whole, particularly to alcohol-related incidents and conditions that can be exacerbated by heat changes such as respiratory and cardiac complaints.

WMAS issued further advice:

* If a barbecue is on the cards for this weekend, please ensure that it is lit safely and in the correct manner. Avoid burn injuries by using the correct utensils and don’t let children play too closely to the hot barbecue. Lastly, please make sure that all food is cooked through properly to avoid any food poisoning incidents.

* Fancy a swim? Then please do so in a supervised swimming pool. No matter how tempting it is to cool off in rivers and lakes, this is very dangerous!

* If you’re taking advantage of the sunshine and going out for a walk or hike in the countryside, make sure you wear the appropriate footwear to avoid any slips or trips.

* If you’re planning on hitting the road for a trip away, make sure you’re prepared for your journey, take food and drinks and remember to break the journey up. If driving in residential areas, please watch out for ice cream vans and any children that may distracted around them.

* We would also ask bikers to be careful and wear appropriate safety clothing. Equally we ask car drivers to look out for bikers, as the number of these on the road will be significantly higher if the weather is good.”

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