Parts of England have been placed on a heat health alert as temperatures are expected to reach 30C (86F) over the weekend.
In London, the Midlands, eastern, and southern England, the alert is in effect from 09:00 BST on Friday, June 9, to 09:00 on Monday, June 12.
Everyone can be harmed by heat, but some people are more at risk of suffering significant harm. Verify on those who may be more susceptible, such as infants and the elderly.
Here are some important facts about how heat affects the body and how to stay cool.
Blood vessels expand as the body becomes hotter. Lower blood pressure results from this, which also makes the heart work harder to pump blood throughout the body.
As a result of the blood vessels becoming leaky, this can result in mild symptoms like an itchy heat rash or swollen feet.
Additionally, sweating causes salt and fluid loss, which is important because it alters the body's salt and fluid balance.
This can cause heat exhaustion when coupled with the lowered blood pressure. Some signs are:.
- dizziness.
- nausea .
- fainting.
- confusion.
- tense muscles.
- discomfort in the head.
- heavy perspiration.
- tiredness.
The risk of heart attacks increases if blood pressure falls too low.
Regardless of the weather, our bodies work to maintain a core temperature of about 37°C.
Our bodies have adapted to function at this temperature.
The body must work harder to maintain a low core temperature as the temperature rises.
Sweating begins as more blood vessels near the skin open to allow heat to escape to the environment.
Heat loss from the skin is significantly increased as sweat evaporates.
The UK Health Security Agency offers the following advice.
Use thin sheets, put your socks in the refrigerator to cool them off before putting them on, and follow your regular bedtime routine, advise experts.
Heat exhaustion is typically not serious if they can cool off within half an hour.
According to NHS recommendations:.
- Place them in a cool location.
- Encourage them to lie down and slightly lift their feet.
- Make sure they consume plenty of water; sports or rehydration drinks are also acceptable.
- Spray, sponge, or fan them to reduce the temperature of their skin. Also helpful are cold compresses applied to the neck or armpits.
Heat stroke develops, though, if they do not recover within 30 minutes.
You should dial 999 because it is a medical emergency.
Even though it is too hot, people who have heat stroke may stop sweating. They might become unconscious or experience seizures if their temperature rises above 40°C.
People who are older or who have certain chronic conditions, such as heart disease, may find it harder to handle the stress that heat has on their bodies.
Diabetes complications can change blood vessels and the body's capacity to sweat, and they can also cause the body to lose water more quickly.
Children and people with limited mobility may be more vulnerable. People with brain disorders like dementia may also be unable to feel the heat or take action to cool down.
Additionally, those who are homeless will be exposed to the sun more. The temperature will also be higher for residents of top-floor apartments.
Yes, but people need to exert more effort to stay cool and hydrated, as well as continue taking their medications as usual.
Diuretics, also referred to as "water pills," raise the body's water excretion rate. They have many uses, including the treatment of heart failure. High temperatures increase the risks of dehydration and mineral imbalances in the body.
Antihypertensives, which lower blood pressure, can interact with the dilation of blood vessels brought on by the heat and result in dangerous drops in blood pressure.
Certain Parkinson's and epilepsy medications can prevent sweating and make it more difficult for the body to cool itself.
In addition, if there is excessive fluid loss, other medications like lithium or statins may become more concentrated in the blood and cause problems.
Every year, high temperatures in England result in about 2,000 fatalities.
The majority of these fatalities will be heart attacks and strokes brought on by the stress of maintaining constant body temperatures.
Once the temperature reaches 25 to 26 degrees Celsius, a higher death rate begins to occur.
However, the data suggests that rather than "peak summer," the deaths are typically brought on by higher temperatures in spring or early summer.
This may be due to the fact that as summer wears on and we become accustomed to the heat, we begin to alter our daily behaviors.
According to evidence from past heatwaves, the number of deaths increases very quickly, usually within the first 24 hours of the heatwave.
James, please. via Twitter.
