Discussion Boards Hints and tips
Top tips for keeping cool in very hot weather
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By coffee
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Mon 29 Jun 2009 09:48
As temperatures rise above 90 degrees, older adults and persons with disabilities are particularly at risk for heat-related illnesses.
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are the most common conditions with symptoms that may range from generalized weakness and fatigue, to dizziness, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, nausea, shortness of breath, mental confusion, throbbing headaches, vomiting, and cramping. Hot weather can place a dangerous strain on the heart, and can exacerbate other medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and circulatory and respiratory problems. "People affected by the heat may not recognize they have a problem. Many senior and disabled folks live alone, may not get out much, and so it is critical that someone check on them."
Some tips for combating the heat include:
Keep air circulating with fans
Use a water mister or spray bottle when seated near a fan to avoid dehydration
Wear loose-fitting, light-weight clothing;
Drink water often, don't wait to get "thirsty"
Avoid coffee, tea, and alcohol
Avoid hot food and heavy meals
Limit physical activity and direct exposure to the sun
Check with your health care provider about how the warm weather may affect your prescription drugs
Contact your health provider if you experience prolonged heat-related symptoms, or if those symptoms significantly affect the ability to care for yourself
·Stay out of the heat‚ especially the mid-day sun
most of all enjoy the weather but be safe
coffeex
·Always wear a sun hat when outdoors during the day
Keep your curtains closed to keep your home cool
·Ask your doctor for advice if you are worried about coping with the heat
·Contact older relatives/ neighbours daily to make sure they are ok
Replies
- By fenlander
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Re: Top tips for keeping cool in very hot weather
Mon 29 Jun 2009 11:17Thanks coffee. Just to clarify - coffee you are saying avoid coffee??
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By SusanG
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Re: Top tips for keeping cool in very hot weather
Mon 29 Jun 2009 11:27Thank you for those tips coffee, it is worth knowing all the other syptoms that can be caused through over heating. Both my daughter and I have drugs which mean we can burn more easily in the sun (photosensitive) but it would be easy to put the symptoms you describe above as just part of the condition my daughter suffers from, for example and not realise it could be excessive heat. I will be extra aware this week especially (they tell us it will be a heat wave this week)
Sue
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By kerry.
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Re: Top tips for keeping cool in very hot weather
Mon 29 Jun 2009 18:00Limit alcohol?
Oh damn Avoid physical activity? Now we're talking my language!
So says she who hasn't even had one drink to celebrate results and has been up the gym today!
Think I'm doing something wrong somewhere!
- By Dads Daughter
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Re: Top tips for keeping cool in very hot weather
Mon 29 Jun 2009 18:21Thanks for the info ,coffee....
strangely, I like to cool down with a cuppa hot tea! .......talking of which!........
. where's the chocy biscuits!?
- By fenlander
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Re: Top tips for keeping cool in very hot weather
Mon 29 Jun 2009 20:31Got it - paint your house white!
The NHS's heatwave plan for England suggests using "pale, reflective external paints" to keep your house cool.
It's something you can see in many of the hottest parts of the world. Go to areas of Greece or north Africa and whitewashed villages are the norm. And there's science behind this.
"It will certainly help," says physicist Prof Robin Marshall. "If you make the roof of your house white you will bounce a lot of heat back into the atmosphere."
Am off to Focus for 100L of white paint as we speak!!!!!!
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By kerry.
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Re: Top tips for keeping cool in very hot weather
Mon 29 Jun 2009 20:46But then again what about the arabs in the desert who wear balck?
Watching QI recently and they had this discussion about what is the best colour to keep cool and apparently it mkes no difference.
Karen, save yer money gel, spend it on wine instead
Then you might be hot but you wont care! 
- By fenlander
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Re: Top tips for keeping cool in very hot weather
Mon 29 Jun 2009 21:05The size I am I will be hot whatever kerry!! What is odd about the above is that it is an NHS guideline???? And we wondered where the money goes?????
- By fenlander
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Re: Top tips for keeping cool in very hot weather
Mon 29 Jun 2009 21:13NHS Heatwave Plan
news.bbc.co.uk
Includes advice to open your windows at night - but weren't police going round with loudhalers recently telling people to shut their windows at night???? Am confused now!!!
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By jennifer
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Re: Top tips for keeping cool in very hot weather
Mon 29 Jun 2009 22:53Thanks Coffee,good advice.
Hopefully they are going to be wrong,need a good storm,that will clear the air. WISH
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By ena
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Re: Top tips for keeping cool in very hot weather
Mon 29 Jun 2009 23:53We had a b****y good storm after tea!
Didn't you get it?