Weather warning for Welshpool

Blue skies, sunshine and a glorious outlook have certainly changed the collective mood of the Welshpool area, but health chiefs have asked us to issue urgent advice to our readers.

With temperatures set to remain high in the coming days, Powys Teaching Health Board says that visits to Minor Injury Units and Accident and Emergency departments have risen sharply with weather related incidents, and they have issued some easy to follow tips and a plea to watch out for those at risk.

For the latest forecast, visit our official weather service from Sian Lloyd at http://www.tvweathergirl.com/?town=welshpool,UK

“The temperature is expected to reach 30C in the coming days in the Welshpool area, so we want people to enjoy the weather while at the same time be aware,” said a Local Health Board spokesperson.

“Hot weather brings with it a number of dangers, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, both of which need urgent treatment.

“Additionally, accidents involving gardening without the proper protective clothing have lead to hospital admissions.

“The symptoms of heat exhaustion include headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps, pale skin, and a high temperature.

“You should move somewhere cool and drink plenty of water or fruit juice. If you can, take a lukewarm shower, or sponge yourself down with cold water.”

MyWelshpool has teamed up with the Health Board to share some advice from the experts on who to look out for and how to best enjoy the heat without becoming ill.

Those running a greater risk of harm include:

·         Older people, especially older women and those over 75.

·         Babies and young children.

·         People with mental health problems.

·         People on certain medication.

·         People with a serious chronic condition, particularly breathing or heart problems.

·         People who already have a high temperature from an infection.

·         People who use alcohol or illicit drugs.

·         People with mobility problems.

·         People who are physically active, like manual workers and sportsmen and women.

How can you avoid heat-related health problems?

·         If you can, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm).

·         If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, like sport, DIY, or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day, like early morning.

·         If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton. If outside, take plenty of water with you and apply at least SPF 15 sunscreen generously and regularly (Sunscreen can easily be washed, rubbed or sweated off – so reapply often throughout the day. Choose a “broad-spectrum” brand with four or five stars that protects against UVA and UVB rays). Choose a sunscreen that is specially formulated for babies and children’s skin as these products are less likely to contain alcohol or fragrances that might irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions.

·         Stay cool

·         Stay inside, in the coolest rooms in your home, as much as possible.

·         Close the curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun.

·         Keep windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside. Open them when the temperature inside rises, and at night for ventilation. If you are worried about security, at least open windows on the first floor and above.

·         Take cool showers or baths, and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck.

·         Drink regularly and eat more cold food.

·         Drink regularly even if you do not feel thirsty - water or fruit juice are best.

·         Try to avoid very sweet drinks. In particular avoid alcohol and caffeine (tea, coffee, colas) as they make dehydration worse.