Summer wellbeing

Most of us enjoy the sunny, warm weather that the summer months bring but things are different this summer for us all due to coronavirus.

The summer heat can affect us all but older people, babies, young children and people with pre-existing health problems are all vulnerable to the summer heat.  It’s important at the moment that we keep safe and well.

These tips may seem like common sense but can make a big difference to your wellbeing.

• Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest, usually between 11am and 3pm in the UK
• Avoid getting sunburt – use sunscreen (at least factor 30) and cover up with  suitable  loose fitting cotton clothing, a hat and sunglasses
• If driving make sure your car is well ventilated and take plenty of water with you
• If you live on your own ask a friend or relative to check on you during periods of extreme heat
• Keep cool and drink plenty of cold drinks and cut back on alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Eating cold foods, like salads and fruit which have a high water content can help you stay hydrated
• Take cool baths or showers
• Keep your home cool – shade or cover windows in sunny rooms and keep the windows closed during the day.  Open the windows when it is cooler outside.  Turn off lights and electrical equipment when they are not in use
• If you decide to take a swim to keep cool and healthy make sure its a safe place to do so, look out for any warning signs or hidden dangers
• If you feel unwell, dizzy, anxious or very thirsty or if you have painful muscle spasms when it is hot weather – rest immediately in a cool place, drink and cool down, use rehydration solutions if suitable.  Get help if you still feel unwell

More information can be found via Dudley council webpage on summer wellbeing.

Beat the Heat posters available in several different languages produced by UK health security agency visit Birmingham City Council website