With temperatures set to rise in the coming days the Public Health Agency (PHA) is urging people to protect themselves from the sun and to look out for older and more vulnerable people. Although there are no current weather warning for Northern Ireland, it is still important to remember the need to protect ourselves from the strong UV rays.
Dr Brid Farrell, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “With hot weather being a rarity here it is understandable that we all want to get out and enjoy the sunshine, but we’re asking people to make sure they’re protecting themselves when they’re out and about and check in on friends and family members.
“It is important to look after older people and those more susceptible to potential health issues in warmer weather. If you have a friend or relative who is less mobile or might need a little help, make sure to check in on them. Help them stay hydrated with regular cold drinks, avoiding alcohol. Help them keep their home cool by shutting curtains if the sun is coming through and opening the windows in the evening or at night when it’s cooler.
Read more: NI weekend weather forecast as heatwave set to hit
“Encourage them to wear light, loose-fitting clothing so they’re not too hot and if you or anyone you know begins to feel sick or dizzy, keep out of the sun and seek medical advice. The PHA has also written to care home providers in Northern Ireland with advice and guidance on helping to look after residents during hotter spells of weather.”
The PHA's Top tips for looking after yourself and others in hot weather:
- try to stay out of the sun, particularly when it is at its highest between 11am and 3pm;
- stock up on supplies like medicines, food and non-alcoholic drinks, so you won’t have to go out in the heat;
- keep your home cool – shutting windows when it's hotter outside than inside may help;
- open your windows at night – when it's cooler;
- keep drinking fluids;
- plan strenuous outdoor activities, like DIY or gardening during cooler parts of the day, like early morning;
- keep alcohol drinking to a minimum – it dehydrates the body;
- avoid heavy and hot food; modify your diet to include plenty of fruit and salad as this helps keep you hydrated;
- use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor - also known as 'SPF' – for protection from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation – SPF 15 or greater is advised with a UVA Rating of at least 4 stars;
- wear light, loose-fitting clothing, such as cotton, so sweat can evaporate;
- if you feel sick or dizzy, keep out of the sun and seek medical advice.
Dr Farrell added: “Just because we don’t have an extreme heat weather warning in Northern Ireland, it doesn’t mean that we aren’t at risk from dangerous UV sun rays, even if it’s overcast or cloudy. When the UV index is three or above we need to protect our skin and eyes, so it’s important to know what the UV index is going to be throughout the day.”
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