While sun-seekers are enjoying basking in the sunshine, the hot weather can lead to health problems and heatstroke, something that is particularly dangerous for the elderly.

 We’ve created our top tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe in the summer heat.

1. Keep out of the heat during the hottest times of the day. If you do go out, wear a hat, keep in the shade as much as possible and don’t forget your sun cream!
2. When inside, try to stay in the coolest parts of the house. Keep curtains closed in rooms that catch the sun and open windows when it’s cooler to let air flow through your home.
3. While we know keeping an active and healthy lifestyle is important, try to avoid strenuous activity when it’s warm. Also, limit activities like housework and gardening to the early morning or late afternoon when it is cooler.
4. Have colder showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
5. Drink lots of fluids even if you’re not thirsty. Limit drinks with caffeine and avoid alcohol as it can increase dehydration.
6. Eat regular meals but try to have more cold foods such as salads and fruit as they contain a lot of water.
7. Keep any medication below 25 °C. Check the storage instructions in the packet to ensure you are storing these correctly in the heat.
8. Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves in the heat.

Signs of heatstroke

When it is a hot day, it’s important to know if your efforts to keep cool are working and you’re not overheating. Heatstroke may be shown in the following ways:

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Persistent thirst
• Muscle cramps

If you think you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of heatstroke, it is important to get help straight away, especially if the person is elderly.