As the weather hots up, local GPs are joining with us to encourage people to make sure they protect themselves and their families in the heat – and to keep an eye out for vulnerable neighbours.
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot for too long there are health risks. There are lots of ways to make sure you are protected but it's also important to look out for the people who are most vulnerable.
Elderly, babies and young children at risk
Dr Ellen Wright, a local GP and chair of NHS Greenwich Clinical Commissioning Group, said the health of the elderly, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses can be seriously affected by dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and sunburn.
"Most people enjoy getting out in the sunshine but it's important to remember that the change in temperature can cause health risks," she said. "However, there are general steps that people and families can follow to make sure they stay safe while making the most of the warmer weather."
Councillor Denise Scott-McDonald, the Royal Borough of Greenwich's Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing and Public Health, added: "The sunshine and hot weather are enjoyable but can also cause health difficulties, particularly for vulnerable people. If the weather gets very hot, please keep an eye out for any neighbours who are elderly or who might be vulnerable to the heat – especially if they live alone."
Sun-safe tips
Some exposure to sunlight is actually beneficial to health, as it helps our bodies to generate vitamin D which is important to the body to maintain strong bones. In the summer, however, it is important that we take measures to reduce the risks associated with excessive heat or prolonged exposure to the UV rays in sunlight.
General tips for everyone to be sun safe are:
- Between the hours of 11am to 3pm, try to limit your exposure to the sun to short periods
- If you have to be out in the sun for longer periods, wear a high-factor sunscreen and reapply it regularly
- Wear loose cotton clothing to cover as much of the body as possible and keep you cool
- Drink lots of cool drinks to stay hydrated
- Seek shade
- Wear sunglasses and a hat
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially babies, young children or animals
Special advice for babies
Keep babies out of the sun as much as possible, especially when the sun is at its strongest. If you do go out on a hot day, attach a parasol or sunshade to the pushchair to keep the baby out of direct sunlight. You and your baby should both drink plenty of fluids so you don't get dehydrated. If you're breastfeeding, you don’t need to give your baby water as well as breast milk. However, your baby want to breastfeed a little more than usual. If you're bottle feeding, as well as their usual milk feeds, you can give your baby cooled boiled water throughout the day. If your baby wakes at night, they'll probably want milk but if they've had their usual milk feeds, try cooled boiled water as well.
It's important to apply high-factor suncream for all babies and children. Many brands are formulated especially for children, offering a total sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 plus. Apply the suncream regularly, particularly if your child is in and out of the sea or a paddling pool. A sunhat, preferably one with a wide brim or a long flap at the back, will protect your child's head and neck from the sun.
Where to go for summer health advice
If you have any health concerns for yourself or for someone you know, please contact your GP or pharmacist. You can get more information on staying safe this summer on the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk
If you are concerned about the safety of a vulnerable neighbour please contact the Royal Borough of Greenwich's Contact Assessment Team on 020 8921 2304 or 020 8854 8888. In an emergency, always call 999.