Yahoo News Kent temperatures set to soar as vulnerable people warned amid health bosses heat warning
With extreme heat gripping much of England, including Kent, local health experts have warned people about the serious impact of heat exposure, as temperatures are set to reach the high 20s throughout the week. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a major heat warning for four days, covering the whole of Kent.
Towns in the north of Kent are likely to experience the hottest temperatures, with Dartford set for peaks of 27C. These are expected to be the highest temperatures of the summer so far.
Maidstone will experience similar temperatures, with peaks of 27 degrees on Tuesday (June 25), according to the Met Office. It will be cooler near the coast, with Dover reaching 23 degrees throughout the week. In Margate, it will reach 25 degrees on Thursday (June 27).
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But this could put pressure on healthcare services over the coming days as health bosses raised concerns over the safety of vulnerable people.
Dr Ash Peshen, deputy chief medical officer at NHS Kent and Medway said: "However much we might like the sun, we know that it can have detrimental effects on our health, especially for the young, our elderly residents and those who are most vulnerable.
“By taking simple precautions, such as staying hydrated and finding shade during the hottest parts of the day, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming ill and needing the services of the NHS.
“Please also do check in on your vulnerable neighbours, families and friends to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.”
When temperatures climb, people have been told to take commonsense steps to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and well. This includes making sure they have enough food, water and any medication they regularly have to take and aren’t left to sit in direct sun.
Kent County Council (KCC) Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: "Lots of us enjoy sunny weather; but hot temperatures can cause a wide range of health issues, from minor to life-threatening, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
"Following basic advice and checking in on the very elderly, young and those living with conditions can play a big part in keeping our communities safe.
"Keeping well also reduces pressure on our hardworking NHS and emergency services.”
Top tips for staying safe and well in hot weather include:
keeping up to date with the forecast so you can be prepared
drinking plenty of fluid, and avoiding excess alcohol, to stay hydrated
doing intense outdoor exercise in the cooler parts of the day, when UV rays are weakest
regularly using sunscreen above SPF30 and wearing 100% UV protection sunglasses to protect yourself from strong sun.
carrying your asthma inhaler, if you use one, with you because hot weather and thunderstorms can make lung conditions worse. If you notice you need to use your inhaler more frequently because of the weather, please talk to your pharmacist, contact your GP or NHS 111.
If you become unwell in hot weather:
unless it is an emergency, use 111 as your first point of contact for medical support. By phoning 111 or visiting 111 Online, you will be directed to the right service for you
in an emergency, always call 999
visit Kent and Medway Integrated Care System’s stopthinkchoose website for details of local services, such as pharmacies and urgent treatment centres
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