Don’t Roast in the Christmas Heat

Five TOP ways to stay cool this summer

With parts of Queensland set to swelter above 40°C on December 25, doctors are urging families to be wary of heat health risks as they celebrate Christmas.

Heat-related conditions kill around 500 Australians each year – making heatwaves far deadlier than bushfires, floods and cyclones.

So what can you do keep your cool when our temperatures soar:

ONE: DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

We all know how important it is to stay hydrated – all year round. But when the heat is on you should get more H2O on as well. When you sweat your body is losing liquid – fill the tank up with water.

TWO: EXERCISE COMFORTABLY

Still want that daily run or exercise regime? Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you have to become a couch potato.

Avoid the sun at its hottest, exercise in short bursts, switch to water sports and STAY HYDRATED!

THREE: WEAR LOSE FITTING CLOTHES

Don’t strangle yourself in fitted clothes, you’re only adding heat – go free!!! Wear lose fitting clothing and a hat your body will love you for it!

s on your neck and put your feet in a bucket of iced water – that will soon cool you down!

FOUR: STAY IN THE COOL

An air-conditioned environment is the best prevention measure. If you don’t have air-con at home head to the cinema and watch a movie, win, win. Spend some time air-conditioned shopping centres, hang out at the supermarkets – they are always cold!

Staying at home - take regular cool showers and kept your body temperature down.

Cold ice packs on your neck and put your feet in a bucket of iced water – that will soon cool you down!

FIVE: KEEP YOUR FOOD COOL AND AVOID USING THE OVEN

Home cooks you’ve gotta love this one – AVOID USING THE OVEN. Yes, you heard right. Ditch the oven and opt for cool foods like salads and cold meat, that’s one way to get rid of all that Christmas ham and of course you can do the late evening BBQ.

SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION:

paleness,
increased heart rate
muscle cramps
nausea
headache
vomiting
dizziness

HEATSTROKE:

Occurs when the body’s core temperature rises above 40.5°C and organs start to fail, leading to delirium, possible seizures and loss of consciousness. Sufferers will need urgent medical attention.

If you begin to experience the symptoms of heat exhaustion, lie down somewhere cool, drink chilled water and contact a GP. In an emergency, always call triple-0.”

DON’T FORGET:

Your elderly family, elderly neighbours and your pets.

Everyone needs taking care of so pop next door and check on your neighbour, call or go and see your elderly parents regularly and remember your pets need to be kept cool as well.