July 2009 Week 1


UK basks in heatwave - how will you cope?
We may all be enjoying this unexpected heatwave hitting the UK, but there are important things to bear in mind.

With London seeing temperatures in the low 30 degrees Celsius, the Department of Health has issued a level three warning with all of us needing to make sure we are keeping cool and hydrated in the coming days.

Yvonne Doyle, the regional director of public health in the south east, said: "Everyone's health can be affected by the heat, with greater risks of dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

"Those most at risk are the very young and the very old and people who already have health conditions."

Some top tips for keeping safe in a heatwave include avoiding drinking tea and coffee and opting instead for water and juice and making sure to stay in the shade during the midday sun.

It is also important to check up on friends and neighbours and try and shade windows where possible to keep houses cool.

Although many of us will be hitting the beaches and our gardens over the coming days, it is important to remember that we need to try and avoid danger.