Cantabrians away on a long weekend and celebrating
Waitangi Day are being urged to keep cool and hydrated
during the anticipated spell of soaring temperatures
expected to sweep through the region.
Hot weather is
forecast for Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 February with
temperatures predicted to get to a maximum of 33
degrees.
Dr Ramon Pink, Canterbury Medical Officer of
Health, says while we may welcome a run of hot weather the
heat can affect us all and overheating is a condition that
can prove fatal.
“It’s especially important to stay
out of the sun where possible, avoid extreme physical
exertion, and ensure pets and people are not left alone in
stationary cars.
“While we are all vulnerable to hot
temperatures, some people are particularly at risk. This
includes the elderly, infants and children, women who are
pregnant, people suffering from chronic, acute, and severe
illness,” says Dr Pink.
There are some simple steps
that we can all take to reduce the risk to our health when
the temperatures are high. They include:
- Avoiding
going outside during the hottest time of the
day - Drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol
and caffeine - Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting,
light-coloured cotton clothes
Dr Pink says
people whose work involves strenuous physical activity
outdoors should be particularly vigilant to avoid
overheating in hot weather.
“It’s important people
exposed to hot weather for long periods of time carry water
with them and sip at least half a litre an hour, allow for
more breaks in the shade, reapply sunscreen every two hours,
and schedule the hardest work in the coolest part of the
day.
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“As well as being SunSmart (Slip, Slop, Slap
& Wrap) if you have to go outside, everyone is advised
to keep their houses cool by closing curtains on windows
getting direct sun, opening windows to get a breeze if it’s
cooler out than in, and consider using the cool cycle on
heat pumps,” says Dr Pink.
If it’s not possible to
keep your home cool, you should look to spend a few hours of
the day in a cool place e.g. an air-conditioned public
building, Marae, or church, all of which tend to be cool in
summer.
People should keep medicines below 25 degrees
Celsius or in the refrigerator (read the storage
instructions on the packaging).
If you feel dizzy,
weak, or have an intense thirst or headache you may be
dehydrated. Drink some water and rest in a cool place. If
your symptoms persist or you’re concerned about your
health, or someone else’s, seek medical
advice.
Remember you can call Healthline 24/7 for free
health advice on 0800 611 116. If you need to be seen, they
can tell you what to do and where to go if you need to be
seen
urgently.
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