Stay cool; stay hydrated.
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With much of NSW set to swelter through a predicted scorcher of a weekend, NSW Health is reminding people to guard against heat-related illness.
Temperatures are expected to reach between 37 and 45 degrees over the weekend and director, North Coast Public Health Unit Paul Corben says it is important that people kept up their water intake and avoid strenuous physical activity in the heat of the day.
NSW Health has had an increased number of people coming to hospital emergency departments with heat-related conditions during recent heatwaves with young men particularly presenting more often than normal.
“As we have seen this year, everyone can be affected by heatwaves and this includes young, fit and healthy people if they do not take appropriate precautions,” Mr Corben said.
Heat places a lot of strain on the body and can interfere with blood circulation and cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
“Being prepared and taking simple precautions reduces the risk of heat-related illness.”
NSW Ambulance director education Alan Morrison said dehydration, sunburn and heat exposure can lead to heat stroke and other life threatening situations.
“People working in excessively hot environments, such as in roof cavities, can suffer a rapid and extreme escalation of body temperature which can lead to instant death,” Chief Superintendent Morrison said.
“Dehydration in the frail can lead to confusion and a fall that could easily break a hip which could lead to a loss of independent living, or worse.”
Chief Superintendent Morrison advised particular caution for those intending to spend long periods outdoors.
“People have a habit of under-estimating the heat and over-estimating their ability. Ideally, they should be planning ahead and staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.”
Tips on staying cool:
-
• Drink plenty of water, and remember to carry some with you when out and about.
- • Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks.
- • Plan your day around the heat, particularly in the middle of the day, and minimise
physical activity.
-
• Keep the sun out by shading windows with curtains, blinds or closing shutters.
- • Keep windows closed during the day until it cools down and in early morning.
- • If you don’t have an air-conditioner, try to spend time in an air-conditioned place like a
shopping centre, library or cinema.
- • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton.
- • When outdoors, stay protected from the sun by wearing a hat and sunscreen.
- • Check on elderly neighbours and relatives.
“Signs of heat-related illness may include nausea, vomiting, faintness and dizziness, loss of
appetite, weakness, headaches, loss of sweating and reduced urine output,” Mr Corben said.
“People showing severe signs of heat-related illness should seek urgent medical attention
through their GP or the emergency department at their nearest hospital. “
Temperature forecasts are available here
The weather pattern
So, what is causing the heatwave?
According to the Bureau of Meteorology a high pressure system near New Zealand extends a ridge along the NSW coastline.
A trough extends from north western Australia to southwest Victoria bringing hot conditions throughout NSW. A cold front crossing Tasmania is expected to link up with this trough and bring a weak south to southwesterly change to southern parts of the state today but then weaken.
A stronger cold front is expected to move through the state from late Saturday to Monday.
Very hot conditions are expected ahead of this front with a cooler change following it.