A popular doctor has revealed how to stay safe during a heatwave as the latest figures show more than 2,000 people died due to heat last summer. New Government data estimates 2,295 lives lost due to the heat in between June and September 2023.
Older people were most impacted with 92 percent of the deaths occurring in those aged over 65.
In total the deaths equated to 16,239 years of life lost, or 7.7 years for every person aged over 65 estimated to have died.
The summer of 2023 was the eighth warmest on record but saw the third highest heat-associated mortality since heat-mortality reports were first published in 2016, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
This comes as the Met Office is predicting that climate change will increase the number and intensity of heatwaves in the UK going forward.
TV personality, Doctor Hilary Jones is now urging people to take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
Backing a new campaign called “Not Just Small Talk” from the organisation Round Our Way, the doctor said: “We all love the sun but it doesn’t take much for our bodies to overheat, especially now that heatwaves are becoming more common.
“And in extreme cases this can cause heat stroke. Heat stroke is when our body overheats and can’t cool down.
“It can even be deadly, especially for pregnant women, for children, those over 65 and those with underlying health conditions. Signs include dizziness, confusion, nausea, and hot, dry skin.”
With this in mind he shared three ways to lower the risk of heatstroke.
“These three tips are simple but potentially life saving,” he said.
Avoid the sun in the middle of the day
Dr Hilary said: “First, the sun is most dangerous between 11am and 3pm, so plan your outside activities outside of those hours.”
Stay hydrated
He continued: “Two, hydration is key. So watch the alcohol and caffeine intake. Stick to water or sports drinks to replace what you’re sweating out.”
Stay cool
“Three, stay cool. Seek shade, use fans, take cool showers, or use cold compresses if you are feeling overheated,” he added.
If someone is showing heatstroke signs he advised getting them to a cool place “immediately” and seeking medical help.
He said: “Europe is the fastest warming continent due to climate change and even in the UK we’ve been feeling the heat as well so we need to be extra careful.”
Roger Harding, director of Round Our Way – which supports people impacted by weather extremes in the UK, commented: “It’s distressing that last summer felt mild compared with the record-breaking year before but still resulted in over 2,000 heat-related deaths. It just shows how unprepared we are for the warmer summers that climate change is bringing.
“It is heartbreaking to think those killed by the heat would typically have gone on to live for another eight years. The number of missed births, weddings and other family moments are both countless and heart-wrenching.
“Climate change means the weather is not just small talk these days. People need to ensure they stay safe and look out for one another when it is hot. It is sadly not difficult to imagine how much higher these numbers could get in the future. We urgently need politicians to make sure we are better prepared for our new weather extremes and to tackle the pollution that is causing them.”