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Top 10 Tips for hot weather

These tips are courtesy of NHS England for the general public and not specific to people with diabetes.
With the expected high temperatures, here’s some top tips for coping with the warmer weather and staying safe and well:

• Shut windows and pull down the shades when it’s hotter outside. You can open the windows for ventilation when it’s cooler.
• Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and do not go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat.
• Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this is not possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).
• Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. Water, lower fat milks and tea and coffee are good options. You can also drink fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks, but they can be high in sugar. Limit fruit juice or smoothies to a combined total of 150ml a day, and choose diet or sugar-free soft drinks.
• Listen to alerts on the radio, TV and social media about keeping cool.
• Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medicines you need.
• Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
  Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors.
• Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
• Sunburnt? Make sure to keep your skin out of the sun until all signs of redness have gone and apply a soothing after-sun cream like aloe vera.