BRIGG FOLK ASKED TO KEEP AN EYE ON NEIGHBOURS

FROM KIRSTY WESTFIELD, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

The council is encouraging people to check on their older neighbours, family and friends, as well as people who are less able to care for themselves every day during hot weather.
Long spells of hot weather can be dangerous for older people and those less able.
There are things you can do to help yourself and others. Make sure you are aware of the signs that an older person may be affect by the hot weather.
People aged over 75 with serious long term conditions, heart or breathing problems, poor mobility, and mental health problems including dementia are particularly vulnerable. Make sure they are able to keep themselves cool.
Tips for coping in the hot weather:

• Keep windows and blinds closed when it’s hotter outside
• Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
• Have cool baths/showers and go into the coolest room
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid too much coffee, tea and cola
• Wear loose cool clothing, a hat and sunglasses outside
• Go somewhere cooler if possible such as an air conditioned supermarket
• Look after your skin. Use a high sun protection factor (SPF) sun screen, at least SPF15 and reapply every two hours
• Avoid housework and strenuous activity
• Keep medicines below 25 degrees Celsius or in the refrigerator if necessary. Get advice from your GP or pharmacist if you are taking multiple medications

Here are some signs to look out for that might mean an older neighbour, friend or relative could need help:

• Intense thirst
• Chest pain
• Breathlessness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Cramps
• Mild confusion
• Feeling faint
• Headaches
• Fast pulse
• Seizures

What to do if someone needs your help:

• Get them in a cool place to rest, give them plenty of fluids and remove any unnecessary clothing
• Get help from a GP or contact the NHS on 111 if the symptoms persist or the person doesn’t respond to interventions within 30 minutes or symptoms worsen.

There are some tips on our website on how to avoid heat stroke: www.northlincs.gov.uk/summerhealth
Further information on looking after yourself in hot weather can be found on the NHS Choices website, www.nhs.co.uk/conditions/Heat-exhaustion-and-heatstroke/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Coun Carl Sherwood, from Brigg, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “As much as we all enjoy the hot, sunny weather we can often forget about those less able and older people who need our support. The hot weather can affect older peoples’ health so it is important that we look out for our family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are coping.
“We are urging people to think about others when we have hot weather, check on them and make sure they have everything they need. There are many signs you can look out for that could indicate an older person is in need of help. If you are concerned about someone’s health, contact their GP or ring the NHS on 111 for advice.”