Information & advice

Summer is usually enjoyable but very high temperatures and humidity can present a risk to health – older people are particularly susceptible to heat-related illness.

If you are concerned about your health during a heat wave‚ contact your doctor‚ pharmacist or NHS Direct. If you live alone‚ consider asking a relative or friend to visit or phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat.

Our hot tips tell you

• how to protect yourself from the heat
• how to recognise heat-related illness
• what to do when someone shows signs of it 

You can download the tips from the top right corner of this screen or read them below: 

Simple steps to avoid heat-related illness

• Keep out of the heat. If possible‚ do not go outside during the hottest time of the day: late morning to mid afternoon. If you do go out‚ stay in the shade as much as you can.
• Avoid strenuous activity but if you cannot‚ plan to do the activity during the early morning or another cooler part of the day.
• Try to spend time in the coolest parts of your home. Keep curtains and blinds closed in rooms that catch the sun. Remember that lights generate heat. Keep windows open where possible‚ unless it is cooler inside than out. Fans can help sweat evaporate but do not cool the air itself. Public buildings often have air conditioning‚ which reduces the temperature.
• Wear lightweight‚ light-coloured clothing
• Splash yourself with cold water at regular intervals and take cool baths or showers
• Use damp towels or cloths to cool off
• Drink lots of fluids‚ even if you are not thirsty. Water and fruit juice are best. Both alcohol and caffeine can make dehydration worse: avoid them
• Eat cold food‚ particularly salads and fruits that are high in water. Heavy meals are best avoided.

Dehydration and overheating

Following the advice opposite will reduce the risks‚ but extreme heat and humidity can cause you to dehydrate and overheat. This can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Both require swift action.

Watch how you feel: look out particularly for muscle cramps‚ confusion‚ weariness or sleep problems. If you have any of these‚ rest in a cool place‚ drink fluids and seek medical advice if the symptoms persist or worsen.

About heat exhaustion

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include headaches‚ dizziness‚ nausea or vomiting‚ pale skin‚ heavy sweating and high temperature. If you have the symptoms of heat exhaustion:

• move out of the heat to a cooler place
• drink plenty of fluids: water or fruit juice‚ not alcohol or caffeine
• loosen or remove any tight clothing and apply cool‚ wet towels or cloths

If left untreated heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke.

About heat stroke

The symptoms of heat stroke include hot and red skin‚ headaches‚ nausea‚ intense thirst‚ raised temperature‚ confusion‚ aggression and loss of consciousness.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition.If you or someone else has the symptoms of heat stroke:

• call 999 immediately
• while waiting for the ambulance‚ follow the advice given above for heat exhaustion
• but do not try to give fluids to anyone who is unconscious
   

Further information

• Watch out for weather forecasts and temperature warnings on TV and radio. Weather information can also be obtained from www.metoffice.gov.uk/
• For advice about heat-related illness call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/
• Information on how to protect your skin in hot weather is available from Cancer Research UK’s Sunsmart website: www.cancerresearchuk.org/sunsmart

How we can help

The Age Concern Information Line and website offer a wide range of information on issues affecting older people. Call us free on 0800 00 99 66.

Your local Age Concern provides a wide range of services for older people. Use our local Age Concern search to find your nearest office.

Freephone
Information Line
0800 00 99 66