Stay safe in the hot weather this summer

After more than a week of blue skies and record-breaking temperatures, health leaders in Morecambe Bay are urging people to keep cool and stay hydrated.

Forecasts for the high temperatures are set to continue into the middle of next week and with that comes the risk of conditions like heat exhaustion.

Heat exhaustion is not usually serious and gets better when you cool down. If it turns into heat stroke it needs to be treated as an emergency.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:

lHeadache;

lDizziness and confusion;

lLoss of appetite and feeling sick;

lExcessive sweating and pale, clammy skin;

lCramps in the arms, legs and stomach;

lFast breathing or pulse;

lTemperature of 38°C or above;

lIntense thirst;

lChildren may also seem floppy and sleepy.

The heat can also exacerbate problems for people with long term conditions including asthma and so it’s important that people with asthma have their blue inhaler with them at all times.Local pharmacists and the free NHS 111 phone service will be able to offer more advice.