Patient Involvement Group
Church Street Practice, The Health Centre,
Mably Way, Grove, OX12 9BN

Heatwave Plan

The Department of Health, in preparation for another heat wave this summer, has issued an advice booklet on how to cope. These booklets are now available in the surgery, on NHS Direct Online, and it is hoped most pharmacies, Citizens Advice Bureau, hospitals, voluntary organisations such as Help the Aged & Age Concern.

Who is at risk?

• older people, babies and young children
• people on certain medication (especially diuretics i.e. "water tablets")
• people with a serious chronic condition, especially chest or heart problems
• people who already have a high temperature from infection
• people with mobility problems
• people with mental health problems
• people who use alcohol or illicit drugs
• the physically active, like manual workers and sportsmen/women

What are the risks?

Dehydration can lead to your body overheating, resulting in heatstroke/heat exhaustion.

Alert symptoms are headache, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps, high temperature and, if serious, confusion or aggression or even loss of consciousness.

What should you do?

• Keep out of the heat, especially 11am-3pm, or at least stay in the shade.
• Wear cool cotton clothing and a hat.
• Avoid strenuous activity such as exercise or gardening.
• Stay cool by avoiding hottest rooms at home, keep curtains closed (plus windows shut if it's cooler indoors than out).
• Splash or shower with cool water regularly.
• Drink plenty of water or fruit juice; avoid alcohol, tea or coffee.
• Seek advice from your GP, pharmacist or NHS Direct if you are worried about your health or medications during a heatwave.

Please look out for the booklets in the surgery, or ask reception if you can't see one!

Dr. Cheryl Fairley