Brent residents urged to take care in hot weather

Health chiefs are urging residents in Brent to take care of themselves and their neighbours in the hot weather.

Dr Ethie Kong, chairwoman of Brent Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has warned to seek shade and keep hydrated while the warm weather escalates.

Residents must make sure that they spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest, which is between 11am and 3pm at this time of year.

NHS England has said that temperatures exceeding 30 degrees during the day and 15 degrees overnight could trigger a health alert.

They have said certain people are especially at risk, including older people, especially those over 75, babies and young children, people with serious chronic conditions or mobility problems, people on proscribed medications that alter temperature or sweating, people who misuse alcohol or drugs and people who take part in a lot of physical activity especially outdoors.

Dr Kong, said: “Stay well this summer by protecting yourself from the sun. As well as keeping indoors or in the shade when the sun is strongest, you should drink lots of cold, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks and splash yourself with cold water. Wearing high factor sunscreen is essential, and you should cover yourself in loose, cool clothing, a sun hat, and sunglasses when you go outside.

“Ensure that you protect others too by checking up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves, for example if they are over 75 and live alone, or if they live with a disability or serious mental health condition.”

If you are worried about yourself or a vulnerable neighbour, friend or relative, you can contact the local environmental health office at Brent or Camden council.