A Doctor’s Guide To Beating The Heat

While the summer sun can be a real joy when relaxing at the beach or having a barbecue with friends, it can also be a burden at times, especially when you’re standing in a crowded tube or stuck in a stuffy office. Recent high temperatures have led to a summer slump for many of us with  a lack of productivity and all-around feelings of lethargy.

Despite a week of respite, meteorologists predict this summer’s heatwave could well last through to October, so with this in mind Belle consulted Dr Daniel Fenton, Clinical Director at London Doctors Clinic, for his insights and tips for staying healthy, energised and productive during spells of high temperatures. This is what he told us…

While the heatwave is a joy to many, there are several ways in which it can affect you and leave you feeling less than your best:

• Dehydration

Perhaps the most obvious symptom caused by the excess heat is the loss of fluids when sweating, which leaves us feeling thirsty and fatigued.

• Heat Exhaustion

Prolonged exposure to the heat can precipitate heat exhaustion which may be characterised by symptoms such as heavy sweating, rapid breathing, nausea, a faster and weaker pulse, light-headedness, fatigue and heat cramps. While heat exhaustion is not life threatening, it is certainly a red flag that you need to relax and cool down – otherwise it could lead to heat stroke.

• Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the end result of overheating. Our internal temperature rises, creating confusion, drowsiness and in serious cases could lead to seizures.

• Sunburn

Whilst we worry greatly about avoiding dehydration and sun stroke, we often forget sun burn.  The hot red, prickly skin condition is caused by too much sun exposure, and could lead to extreme discomfort which could inhibit your productivity. Too much sun exposure can make you extremely uncomfortable and certainly impact on your ability to focus on any tasks which may need your attention.

So what are the best ways to stay healthy during a heatwave?

• Stick to water

It is often tempting to reach for a sugary energy drink or a strong coffee to help us perk up and rehydrate, however this could leave you feeling worse! This is because highly caffeinated drinks act as a diuretics, meaning they actually dehydrate you more, as they encourage more frequent trips to the bathroom! A glass of wine at lunch will have the same effect. While the weather is hot it is important to drink around 2.5 – 3 litres of water per day to replace the water lost through sweating. Remembering to steer away from tea, coffee and alcohol during the hottest periods of the day, is also sensible.

• Layer on the sun cream

Lathering on a minimum of SPF 30 sun cream, with a high UVA Rating will help to protect the skin against sun burn. Use around a shot glass of sun cream to fully cover the exposed areas of your body, not forgetting your ears, forehead, nose, arms and legs. Also, make sure you reapply at least every 2 hours.

• Control your environment

Ensure that any area you are in is comfortable. Investing in a fan or air conditioning will ensure that your room is at an ideal temperature for you regardless of the heat outside.

• Wear comfortable clothing

Your body temperature can be maintained by the clothing that you wear. Clothing made out of cotton and linen will help you stay cool during the hot weather. If you are travelling to work, you should consider clothing that is professional but keeps you cool, wearing short sleeved shirts are a great way to keep cool.

• Monitor any pre-existing health conditions

Take careful consideration if you have any chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease and heart conditions. These may put you at higher risk of dehydration and more likely to be affected by the heat. Make sure you have regular water breaks, and if you have diabetes remember to regularly test your blood sugar levels, and administer your insulin if necessary.

• See if you can work from home

If you do feel unwell, see whether your employer will offer work from home days, or have more flexible start and finish times so that you can avoid the rush hour commute.

• If you feel unwell visit your GP

If you begin to feel unwell, sick or faint it is worth taking a trip to your GP for advice on how to stay well.