Summer Safety Message for the Elderly from Conservative Council
Conservative controlled Staffordshire County Council is reminding people to enjoy the heat wave safely and responsibly, and particularly be a good neighbour.
Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Robbie Marshall, said, “Our current spell of warm weather, with brilliant sunshine and high temperatures, may be a welcome change from the usual British summertime we expect but can also bring its own hazards. Elderly people can be particularly affected by drastic changes in temperature. Most vulnerable in extreme heat are people over the age of 75.
“The elderly are at risk of health problems when the weather is very hot as higher temperatures can make heart and breathing problems worse. I urge people to check up on friends, relatives and neighbours, who may be less able to look after themselves.”
To safely enjoy the current good weather conditions everyone should follow some basic common sense good advice, which applies, to all of us when it comes to keeping cool and comfortable and reducing health risks:
- The most important thing is to avoid the sun altogether between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat
- Wear loose, cool clothing plus a hat if you do go outdoors and drink cold drinks, such as water and fruit juice, regularly
- Avoid tea, coffee and especially alcohol
- Also, plan ahead to make sure you have enough water and any medications with you if you are travelling and stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or at the Met Office website
- The Public Health England’s heat wave plan 2013 has advice on how to cope during a heat wave. Knowing how to keep cool during long periods of hot weather can help save lives
One point three million pounds have been saved by Conservative controlled Staffordshire County Council borrowing less over the last financial year as it continues to achieve best value for people and business.
