Monday 19 June 2017
Following very hot weather over the weekend, and with this week's forecast predicting hotter temperatures, Islanders are being reminded to look after themselves and their families.
Five people have been admitted to the Princess Elizabeth Hospital Emergency Department within the last 24 hours with heat related conditions.
For some people such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and those with young children the hot weather can bring real health risks.
Top tips for dealing with the heat are to:
- Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions
- Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- Drink plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you have to go out in the heat
- Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes
In addition to the very hot weather unusual levels of UV are being recorded at the moment which means people should take extra care in the sun. Islanders are reminded to look for the UVA and UVB ratings on sunscreen - the higher the star rating the better the protection.
Sunscreen should have a SPF (sun protection factor) of 15+ in accordance with NICE and Cancer Research UK guidelines. You should also wear sun glasses that have UVA and UVB protection.
Sunscreen should not be used if it is out of date (most have a shelf life of two to three years). More information about sunscreen, how to apply it and how often it should be applied can be found here: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/skin/Pages/Sunsafe.aspx#SPF
