Take Care During Continued Heat

Hot conditions continue, even though summer is officially over, and Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) has reminded the community to be prepared for it lasting a little while yet.

MLHD Public Health Unit Senior Medical Advisor Dr Anton Forsyth is encouraging people to plan for the heat.

“We are asking people to plan ahead, to know the symptoms of heat-related illness, and what they can do to keep cool and stay hydrated during heatwaves,” Dr Forsyth said.

NSW Health urged the community to prepare and stay healthy in the heat with the following tips:

• Understand your health. Your health can be affected during a heatwave, especially if you have a medical condition. Speak to your doctor and have a plan for heatwaves;
• Speak to your doctor if you have chronic health conditions or are on regular medications to discuss what to do during hot weather;
• Most medications should be stored below 25 degrees Celsius. Only store medications in the refrigerator if the label tells you to or if your doctor of pharmacist has told you to. If unsure, ask your pharmacist about how your medication should be stored;
• Prepare your home. Check fridges, freezers, fans and air conditioners are working properly;
• Keep track of the weather. Regularly check the weather forecast to monitor the heat;
• Have a heatwave preparation checklist. Consider who to call if you need help, where to find your emergency kit and be prepared for bushfires;
• Keep in touch with family and friends; and
• Know how to keep cool and stay hydrated. NSW Health has several tips and specific advice on how to stay cool and keep hydrated online at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/Pages/health-in-hot-weather.aspx.

Dr Forsyth said hot weather could affect everyone, but some people were at greater risk of heat-related health problems.

This includes people aged 65 and older, babies and young children and people with some medical conditions.

“Babies and young children can dehydrate quickly in hot weather,” Dr Forsyth said.

“For babies under six months, they may need or demand extra feeds during hot weather.

“For breastfed babies, breast milk provides for their needs and extra water is not necessary.

“For bottle-fed babies, the number of feeds may need to be increased.

“The best drink for older babies and children is water.

“Older members of the community are also more vulnerable to the heat and should be prepared.

“Talk to your doctor about how heat might affect your health and any medications you are taking and learn the signs, symptoms and first-aid for heat-related health problems.”

Visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/Pages/default.aspx for more information on preparing for heat and staying cool and hydrated when it is hot.

• Topics:

• Health & Wellbeing
• Weather