Take Care In The Heat

Murrumbidgee Local Health District has reminded people to take the risk of heat-related illness seriously with temperatures in the region expected to reach into the high 30s and early 40s this week for several consecutive days.

The district’s Acting Director Public Health, Alison Nikitas said that while heat-related illness may affect anyone, certain groups were particularly vulnerable.

These include older persons, people with a chronic medical condition, people who live alone, and infants and children.

“Heat puts a lot of strain on the body and can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” Ms Nikitas said.

“It can also make underlying health conditions worse.

“However, being prepared and taking some simple precautions can reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

“In this extended period of hot weather we need to keep in contact with elderly friends, neighbours and relatives, and also be mindful that babies and children can overheat and dehydrate quickly.”

Here are a few simple steps that can help minimise heat-related illness. Drink plenty of water and carry some with you when you’re out.

Eat smaller, cooler meals such as salad and fruit.

If travelling, take water to drink in case you break down or are delayed.

Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks.

Plan your day around the heat - stay indoors between 11 am and 5 pm and minimise physical activity.

Keep the sun out of your house by shading windows with an awning, shade cloth or plants, shut curtains and blinds and use fans and air conditioning where available.

Take cool showers or baths or put your feet in cool water.

Seek out air-conditioned public buildings such as libraries and shopping centres.

MLHD Disaster Manager, Denise Garner encouraged people to be aware of the early signs of heat-related illness and seek medicare care early.

“Headaches and vomiting, and particularly things like confusion and an altered mental state are things to be concerned about and signs that you should head to the emergency department so they can institute some cooling measures and rehydrate you with some fluids,” Ms Garner said.

For more tips and tricks for keeping cooling and staying hydrated, go to www.health.nsw.gov.au/environmnet/beattheheat.

Trusted health advice is available by calling HealthDirect at 1800 022 222.

• Topics:

• Health & Wellbeing
• Weather