Holiday heatwave means everyone should take care in the sun

With temperatures predicted to remain very high for the remainder of this week people are being asked to remember to stay safe in the sun. 

No-one is immune to being exposed to very high temperatures for a prolonged period. 

But older people and young children are particularly vulnerable.  

Dehydration and sunburn lead to people being hospitalised whenever temperatures soar.  

Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones Chief Medical Officer for  Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “Children and elderly people are especially vulnerable but absolutely no-one is invulnerable high temperatures. 

“Changes occur as our bodies get older, and older people are particularly vulnerable to dehydration for a variety of reasons. The effects of this can be particularly serious so I would urge anyone to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours and friends and make sure they are drinking regularly.” 

Last month’s record high temperatures happened before the end of the school year. 

Paul said: “We now have the summer holidays in full swing and young people are able to get out and about more readily. But they need to be careful in the sun to stop themselves from burning. Not only can this be exceptionally painful, but it can store up skin problems in later life. Children can also become quickly dehydrated and need to have easy access to water. 

“We also need to be careful around water, especially if you don’t know how deep it is. Hot weather and water tragedies too often coincide.” 

You can stock up on basics like high factor sun screen now.  

Anyone who needs urgent medical advice can go online at 111.nhs.uk or they can call 111.  

Dr Edmondson-Jones said: “I’d urge everyone to keep cool and stay safe and remember that very strong sun can be punishing whatever your age or skin type.”