The UK Health Security Agency has issued a heat-health alert for most parts of England and Wales as temperatures could hit 32°C midweek. This yellow heat warning covers an area which includes London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester and York.
The hot conditions will also affect parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, which could experience unseasonably high temperatures.
Most people welcome sunny weather, but hot weather generally brings health risks, especially for those most vulnerable to extreme heat such as the polio community. That's why the British Polio Fellowship is advising polio survivors to take precautions.
"Polio survivors and people with a disability in particularly, should take extra care when moving around, because heat fatigue may increase the risk of falls. If possible, they should stay cool, indoors and minimise their activity. If experiencing swollen legs, keep the feet raised" commented Kripen Dhrona, Chief Executive Officer at The British Polio Fellowship.
A Fellowship Trustee and polio survivor added "Be kind to yourself and accept you do have needs that require special care. It is hot, so give yourself permission to slow down and do what needs to be done, like dealing with your orthotics".
The main risk to older people and those with health conditions is dehydration (not drinking enough water). To cope with the hot weather:
drink plenty of fluids and avoid caffeine and excess alcohol.
close the curtains on rooms that face the sun, to keep indoor spaces cooler (if its hotter indoors than outdoors go outside).
try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 6pm.
wear loose clothing that allows the air to circulate around you.
if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide brimmed hat.
if you are travelling, make sure you take water with you.
Useful links to more information:
Photo by George Chandrinos on Unsplash
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