As the hot weather is expected to continue in Hertfordshire and west Essex in the coming days, the local health service is reminding residents how to protect themselves and loved ones when the temperatures rise.

For some, especially older people and those with underlying health conditions, the summer heat brings extra health risks. If the forecasted temperatures are reached, there could be significant impacts across health and care services. 

To help beat the heat, the advice from NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) is:

• stay out of the direct sun, especially during the hottest part of the day between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are at their strongest
• if you do go outdoors, keep to shady areas, and wear a hat, sunglasses and light, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes
• apply sunscreen frequently of at least SPF 30 and four- or five-star ultraviolet A (UVA) protection regularly to exposed skin
• drink plenty of fluids – pop some ice cubes in a water bottle to help keep fluids colder for longer 
• avoid excess alcohol 
• avoid extreme physical exertion. If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, keep it for cooler parts of the day such as early morning or evening.

Where possible, check in on elderly or vulnerable family members and neighbours to help ensure they’re keeping cool. A cool living space is also important for infants, or those with long-term health conditions:

• Close blinds and curtains at windows which are exposed to direct sunlight
• Check they’re in the coolest part of the home

        cont.

• Open windows (if it is safe to) when the air feels cooler outside than inside 
• Use electric fans if the temperature is below 35°C, but do not aim the fan directly at the body
• Go outside if it is cooler in the shade.

For more information on being safe in hot weather, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/beat-the-heat-hot-weather-advice/beat-the-heat-staying-safe-in-hot-weather 

You can also get local health information via social media – follow ‘@HWEICB’ on Twitter and search ’Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB’ on Facebook.