Healthy in the heat

Everyone is at risk of heat-related illness during hot weather, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Speak with your patients about the signs of heat-related illness and ensure they know what to do if they are experiencing symptoms. 

Some people are more at risk of heat-related illness than others, including babies and young children, pregnant people, older people, people with chronic illnesses, people with mobility issues, and people who take regular medication.

Encourage your patients, particularly those who are more at risk, to follow these simple steps to stay healthy in the heat:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Stay cool with a fan or air-conditioner.
• Avoid going out in the hottest part of the day.
• Keep curtains, blinds and windows closed during the day to keep the house cool.
• Cool off with a shower or bath.
• Check the weather forecast for hot weather.
• Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved and light-coloured clothing, a hat, sunglasses and SPF30+ or higher sunscreen when outside.

Medication can also change how the body responds to hot weather. If your patient takes regular medication, speak with them about how to reduce the risks of health problems such as becoming overheated or dehydrated.

For more information, visit www.sahealth.a.gov.au/healthyintheheat.