Heatwaves kill more Australians than a combination of all other natural hazards. Some people are at a higher risk of becoming ill in hot weather. These include the elderly, babies, people with long term health conditions, people who work outdoors or in poorly ventilated areas and people who are not acclimatised to the heat.
Some tips for staying well during the hot weather are:
- Keep your body cool – Stay out of the sun, drink cold drinks and wear loose clothes
- Drink plenty of water – Avoid juice, sugary drinks and alcohol. Even if you are not thirsty it is important to keep drinking
- Keep your house cool – Shut your blinds, and use air conditioning. Try to avoid using the oven/stove.
- Take care of others – Check on elderly friends and babies and encourage them to drink. Don’t leave kids or pets in the car. Ensure animals have shade and drinking water.
- Have a plan – Keep an eye on the weather forecast and have your doctors number handy.
- Stay safe in the sun – Wear a hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, wear sunglasses and seek some shade.
- Look after your food – Refrigerate food properly and avoid defrosting food out in the heat.
Heat related illnesses to look out for include:
- Dehydration – A lack of fluid in the body. Symptoms include dizziness, tiredness, irritability, thirst, dark yellow urine, loss of appetite, fainting.
- Heat stroke – A sudden rise in body temperature, red, hot dry skin because sweating has stopped – though the person may still be sweaty if they have been exercising
- Heat cramps – Muscle pains or spasms. Heat cramps can also be an early symptom of heat exhaustion.
- Heat rash – A cluster of red pimples or small blisters, particularly on the neck or upper chest, or increases in the groin, elbow and under the breasts
- Heat exhaustion – Symptoms include heavy sweating, pale skin, fast and weak pulse rate, fast and shallow breathing, muscle weakness or cramps, tiredness and weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting
If you are showing any signs of the above it is a good idea to seek medical attention by calling your local doctor or even attending your nearest hospital if the symptoms seem life threatening. While you are waiting you can cool yourself down with icepacks, a cold bath/shower or spray yourself with cool water.
