Brits urged to keep out of the garden from 11am everyday as mercury soars
As a third heatwave swelters across the UK this week, Brits have been urged to stay clear of the garden after a certain time to stay safe.
According to data from the Met Office, the UK is in for a five-day heatwave, with much of the country meeting the criteria. In some regions, the temperature is expected to reach the low 30s. But while many Brits are undoubtedly rejoicing, others are likely struggling in the heat. In particular, many older people may be finding the hot weather tough to get through.
Caroline Abrahams, Age UK Charity Director, said: 'Many parts of the country are about to embark on a prolonged period of extreme heat. When this happens, we especially worry about older people living in poorly ventilated modern homes which were built primarily to ward off the cold.
Alan Titchmarsh urges households to follow one grass rule during hot weather
'It can become unbearably hot and stuffy after a few days so please do look out for any older people you know in this situation. The offer of the loan of a fan or of spending some time in a cooler environment would not only be kind, it could also make a real difference to their health and wellbeing.'
One of the best ways to stay safe, particularly for older people, is to avoid going outdoors during peak sunlight. Caroline urged: 'For any older person, this year's third heatwave means it's a good idea to plan when to do everyday chores when it's cooler and to stay out of direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day between 11-3pm."
That means it is worth taking extra precautions when planning activities like exercising, going for a walk, dog walking, or gardening. Caroline recommends doing these before or after the hottest part of the day and drinking enough water to stay hydrated.
The reason why the heat wave poses more of a threat to older people is because of how our bodies change with age. Caroline explains that as we get older, our bodies generally find it harder to adapt to more extreme temperatures.
'Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke can all worsen certain conditions, increasing strain on the body, and some medications make us more susceptible to hot weather,' she says.
Key warning signs of heat exhaustion include tiredness, dizziness, headaches and feeling sick. If you experience these symptoms, it's a good idea to take 30 minutes out to cool down and rest in a shaded place.
Caroline also urges people to help by checking in on older relatives, friends, and neighbours to see if they need anything. It's important to check that they're not feeling overwhelmed by the excessive heat.
She added: 'You could offer help to get shopping or picking up any medication, or you may even have an extra fan you could lend.'
Other great ways to keep cool include staying hydrated, eating colder foods and taking cool baths and showers. It's important to dress appropriately in clothes that will keep you cool. Age UK suggests wearing light-coloured, loose cotton clothing.
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