FEELING THE HEAT
Hot weather health alert issued by UKHSA – here’s how to keep yourself safe in warm temperatures
A HIGH heat alert has been issued across England as health bosses warn services could be put under strain.
The yellow alert was extended today until 9am on Monday and is in place in all regions of the country.
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It means older and vulnerable people’s health is at greater risk and they could need to use more NHS services.
The alert comes ahead of a three-day junior doctors strike starting tomorrow that will see hospitals come under further strain.
A UKHSA spokesperson said: “Yellow alerts mean that any impacts include the increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations.
“They also include an increase in risk to health for individuals over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.”
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Five regions were under an amber alert from last Friday but were downgraded to yellow this morning.
Temperatures peaked at around 28C in England today and will stay at highs of around 26C until Monday.
The Met Office has also warned there are high levels of UV and pollen, causing agony for millions of hay fever sufferers.
NHS medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “The NHS is facing significant disruption this week with a three-day strike that is set to be exacerbated by the ongoing hot weather – with the number of people seeking emergency care increasing as temperatures rise.
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“While thousands of appointments are likely to be rescheduled due to strike action, the NHS will continue to prioritise urgent and emergency care, but with the country in the midst of a heatwave, the public can play their part by being sensible in the warm weather.
“For the vulnerable and elderly, this includes drinking plenty of water, using sunscreen and avoiding prolonged periods in the sun or swimming in unsafe water.
"Please do also consider checking in on any vulnerable friends, family members or neighbours who may struggle with the heat and humidity.
"People with conditions such as asthma should continue to use their inhalers.
“Anyone who needs medical help should come forward as usual, using 111 online and calling 999 in an emergency.”
Ways to keep yourself safe in the hot weather
Here are the ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather:
- Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
- Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
- Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
- If you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening
- Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
- If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
- Drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake
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