Kirklees Council issues health advice for the hot weather

Dr Judith Hooper, Kirklees Council’s director of public health, has provided some guidance with how to cope in the heat.

She has recommended keeping out of the sun between 11am and 3pm but it wear sunscreen, walk in the shade and wear a hat if you are out.

Dr Hooper said: “It is important to keep out of the heat at the hottest time of the day, avoiding sunburn and drinking plenty of cool drinks.

“Try to avoid getting too hot in the first place.”

Dr Hooper has advised wrapping a soaked towel around your head or soaking your hat if you get too hot and wearing light, loose fitting cotton clothing so only limbs are exposed to avoid sunburn.

Exercise is advised to be done during the cooler times of the day and to take a cool shower or bath, sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or alternatively keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck to keep cool.

A diet of cold food such as salads and fruit with a high water content is also recommended along with avoiding excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.

As well as this Dr Hooper highlighted that it is the month of Ramadan so many members of the Muslim community may be fasting during the daylight hours.

She said: “It is important to balance food and drink intake between fasts and especially to drink enough water.

“If you start to feel unwell, disorientated or confused, or collapse or faint, advice is to stop fasting and have a drink of water or other fluid.

“This is especially important for older adults, those with poorly-controlled medical conditions such as low/high blood pressure, diabetes and those who are receiving dialysis treatment.”

She added: “The Muslim Council of Britain has confirmed that breaking fast in such conditions is allowable under Islamic law. Also, make sure to check on others in the community who may be at greater risk and keep an eye on children to ensure they are having a safe and healthy Ramadan.”

Dr Hooper said to look out for others, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children and those with serious illnesses and to never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, including animals.

She said: “Those looking after older and vulnerable people should regularly check on them, make sure room temperatures are set below 26 degrees and ensure they have access to cold water and ice.”

Other advice included closing curtains and windows that receive the sun during the day, open windows at cooler times of the day and overnight and keep a thermometer in your main living and bedrooms to keep a check on the temperature.

Keeping below 26 degrees is recommended and cooler still in bedrooms.

Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat and use a fan to help feel cooler.