The HSE are urging people to stay safe in the sun as Met Éireann have issued a high temperature advisory warning for the entire country as temperatures are set to reach and in some areas exceed 30°c early next week.
Dr. Deirdre Mulholland, Area Director of Public Health Area A, urged people to stay safe and protect themselves from the sun, said “although we all enjoy warm weather in Ireland, the hot temperatures increase the risk of dehydration, fainting, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and small children. It is important to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of fluids and don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Symptoms of dehydration include thirstiness, a dry mouth, headache, light headedness or dizziness. If you suspect that you or someone else is severely dehydrated, please seek immediate medical attention.”
“Take precautions like avoiding direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm, seek shade if you are out in the heat during those times and try to keep physical exertion to the cooler part of the day.”
Dr Kenneth Beatty, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, said, “blue skies and sunshine are a very welcome sight. However, it is important for people enjoy the good weather safely. Children and babies have very sensitive skin which can burn easily. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, yet it is largely preventable by protecting skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. We need to take the necessary steps to make sure that we protect ourselves from harmful UV rays from the sun.”
Remember the HSE SunSmart 5 S’s:
- Slip on clothing: Cover skin as much as possible, wear long sleeves, collared t-shirts.
- Slop on broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen: Apply sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30+ for adults and 50+ for children, with high UVA protection and water-resistance. Reapply sunscreen regularly.
- Slap on a wide-brimmed hat.
- Seek shade: Especially if outdoors between 11am to 3pm.
- Slide on sunglasses.
For more information on keeping safe in the sun, cisit the HSE website.
Source: Meath County Council