PUBLIC Health Wales (PHW) has issued some top tips as it urges North Wales residents to take care in the very hot weather forecast for the next few days.

The Met Office has issued a new amber weather warning for Wrexham as a heatwave is set to strike the region.

The amber warning, which will run from Thursday until Sunday, has been issued with temperatures set to exceed 30 degrees in places.

Very hot weather that lasts for a few days, or more, can cause dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  

PHW experts say it is very important to look after children, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. 

They say you should also check in regularly with loved ones, friends, family and neighbours.

Read more: Wrexham: Bin collections to start earlier due to heatwave

PHW is also advising people to make changes to their usual routine to help cope with the extreme heat.

This includes avoiding strenuous activity in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest, drinking plenty of water and wearing a hat, sun cream and light coloured, loose-fitting clothing, ideally with long sleeves.

Dr Sarah Jones, Consultant in Environmental Public Health at Public Health Wales said: “We are not used to very hot weather in Wales, so it is important that people don’t just treat it like another hot day. You should take extra care to follow the health advice to protect yourself and others.”

If you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache during the hot weather, tell someone and take the following action:
•    Move to a cool place as soon as possible
•    Drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate
•    Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or stomach after sustained exercise during very hot weather) and drink milk or fruit juice
•    Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than one hour
•    Consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist
It’s important to know the symptoms of heatstroke.  If you are concerned about any symptoms you, or someone you know are experiencing, contact your GP or visit NHS 111 Wales to check your symptoms. 

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PIC: Here are some top tips to help you stay safe in the sun!

Symptoms of heatstroke include:

  • Feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of water
  • Not sweating, even while feeling too hot
  • A high temperature of 40c of above
  • Fast breathing or a shortness of breath
  • Feeling confused
  • A fit (or seizure)
  • Unconsciousness
  • Not responsive

More information about extreme heat is available at phw.nhs.wales/ExtremeHotWeather