Heatwave on the Central Coast of NSW
As the hot weather approaches Central Coast we thought it was appropriate to remind resident of our retirement village and everyone else to be prepared. Heat can affect everyone but in particular it does affect senior citizens. Here is some common sense approach to dealing with hot Australian weather.
Simple advice: keep out of the heat
- Know the weather forecast and if a hot weather is announced, plan your day so you can stay out of the heat.
- 11am-3pm represents the hottest part of the day. You should avoid going out during this time.
- During hot days avoid strenuous outdoor activity such as gardening. Plan it for cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evenings.
- If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton. If you’ll be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you. Don’t forget to use the sunscreen with high UV rating 15+ or 30+
Staying cool is essential
- Stay inside, in the coolest rooms in your home.
- Close the curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun.
- Control the room temperature and keep the home properly ventilated.
- You can reduce your body temperature by take cool showers or baths. Splash your face and the back of your neck through a day with cold water will also refresh you.
Drink regularly to avoid dehydration
- Drink regularly. It is better to drink often in small volumes then drinking a lot of fluids with longer breaks in between. Water or fruit juices are best for hydration.
- Avoid diuretic beverages such as tea, coffee and alcohol as they can cause dehydration.
- Try to eat foods with high water content such as salads and fresh fruit.