University News Last updated 17 July 2014
“Dehydration is the main health concern for people during Britain’s two-day heatwave”, says Shirley Kirnon, Senior Lecturer in Public Health at Birmingham City University.
As forecasters warn that much of the UK will be hotter than Barbados during a two-day heatwave starting from today (Thursday 17 July), Shirley Kirnon advises that young children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.
Shirley explains, “While it is important for everyone to follow the advice of drinking plenty of fluids to keep themselves adequately hydrated during this hot spell of weather, the very young and elderly are often reliant on others for their well-being and may need assistance with this. Disorientation and dizziness are a significant consequence of dehydration which could potentially lead to people being admitted to hospital or accidents occurring so it is important that people keep well hydrated.
“In addition to drinking extra fluids, I would also advocate the use of protective sun-screen creams and encourage people to wear hats to help protect against the associated risks of prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV light, such as skin cancer. Wearing light loose clothing, not remaining in direct sunlight for lengthy periods of time and sitting in shaded areas, will also help to reduce the risk and lessen the effects of heat exhaustion.”
See the range of public health courses offered at Birmingham City University