The Heatwave

Large parts of England will be experiencing a heatwave this week, and heatwave alerts have been issued across the country. While many people are enjoying the sunshine, it can also be extremely dangerous.

Heatwaves

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, longer, hotter and deadlier across the world, especially in urban areas. However, the threats they pose are preventable if cities and residents are prepared for extreme heat and take steps to save lives.

The past seven years, from 2015 to 2021, have been the hottest on record and this year is already a punishing one. The life-threatening temperature spikes seen in recent months across India, Pakistan, East Asia and southern Europe are an ominous sign of what is to come as the world gets warmer.

Every year, increasingly scorching temperatures put millions of people at risk of heat-related illnesses and claim the lives of thousands of others. People living in cities are hardest hit because urban areas are warmer than the surrounding countryside and are getting hotter due to climate change. Those most at risk are already vulnerable – the elderly and isolated, infants, pregnant women, those with pre-existing ailments and the urban poor, who often work outdoors or live and work in buildings without air conditioning or adequate ventilation.

Important Advice from Public Health England

In the UK, Public Health England is advising everyone to take heed of some important advice over the next few days during the predicted heatwave.

Temperatures are likely to rise throughout the week, which may leave older people, young children and those with long-term conditions, including heart and lung diseases, struggling to adapt to the heat. So, be sure to keep an eye on friends and family who may be at risk.

Dr Thomas Waite, Consultant in Health Protection at Public Health England, says: “There is a high chance that temperatures will climb towards the weekend, leaving vulnerable people at risk. The over 65s, young children and those with health conditions can find normal activities a strain when temperatures get this high. To stay cool, avoid the sun during the hottest parts of the day, carry water with you when travelling and think what you can do stay cool when going to outdoor events.”

Top Tips for Staying Safe

To ensure you keep safe in the hot weather, follow these simple steps from Public Health England:

• 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. Sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children and animals
• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
• Take care and follow local safety advice, if you are going into the water to cool down
• 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
• If you are travelling, make sure you take water with you

Imperial Pharmacy

Imperial Pharmacy is an independent pharmacy that dispenses both NHS and private prescriptions. Their aim is for you to achieve the maximum benefit from your medicines alongside other vital services and the range of health and beauty products that they stock.

Take a trip to Imperial Pharmacy in The Pantiles for all the products you’ll need to ensure you’re safe in the sunshine this summer. Their knowledgeable staff will also be able to advice on any heat related health concerns you may have.

General information about the current heatwave and how to keep cool and safe can be found on the NHS website.