Page 4 - William Cape Gardens Summer Newsletter 2017 Final

4 WILLIAM CAPE NEWS, SUMMER 2017

Stay Hydrated to Beat the Heat

In summer, many people, particularly the elderly, feel the Be Sun Safe ‐ Staying indoors, out of the sun, is an
effects of high temperatures and a scorching sun. Older essential part of minimising heat stress on hot days. Skin
people are more vulnerable to the heat for a number of becomes more sensitive to burning as people age, with
reasons. Their bodies do not adjust as well to sudden people over the age of 60 becoming increasingly
changes in temperature as young people and they are vulnerable. Sunburn can have other serious
more likely to have medical conditions that change the complications, such as bacterial infections, and the
way their body reacts to heat. They are also more likely to elderly have a greater risk of complications from sunburn.
take medication that impairs their ability to regulate body Spending time in the sun can cause people to perspire
temperature of which inhibits perspiration. more and increase the likelihood of becoming
dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to heat cramps, heat
Hydration ‐ Staying well hydrated is particularly exhaustion or even heat stroke, a condition where the
important when high temperatures strip moisture from body’s temperature is elevated dramatically.
the body through perspiration and evaporation. Not
getting enough fluids in hot weather increases the risk of Keep Cool ‐ Beyond staying out of the sun and keeping
becoming dehydrated, which can affect bodily functions well hydrated, there are a number of other ways to help
and blood volume, as well as blood pressure. Usually, keep cool and safe in extreme hot weather. Air
there are no early signs or symptoms of dehydration, conditioning and fans are good tools to help keep
though people may experience dryness of the mouth temperatures under control. Wearing light, loose clothing
and/or thirst. Early or mild dehydration may also include is important to allow the wearer to move and breathe
(but are not limited to) headaches, dry skin, decreased without restriction in the heat, as well as allow sweat to
volume of urine passed, dizziness, tiredness and cramping evaporate and body heat to dissipate.
in arms and legs. Consuming water is the best way to stay
hydrated, and cooling water in the fridge first can help With basic precautions, you will be as safe as possible this
people to stay cool in hot weather. Other fluids suitable summer, despite the heat.
to help hydration can include things like ice blocks, jelly
and electrolytic sports drinks. Avoid alcohol, caffeine S o u r c e : i n s p i r e e d u c a t i o n . n e t . a u
(including coffee and soft drinks) as well as tea, as these
can lead to dehydration.