LONDON (Parliament Politics Magazine ) – The UK 2022 heatwave is set to make it one of the hottest on record, with temperatures in the mid-20s to early 30s.
The UK’s health and safety agency wants people to enjoy the hot weather safely while knowing the necessary health precautions. Especially for the elderly and vulnerable, hot weather can be dangerous. A heatwave in the UK occurs when the temperature exceeds 30C for three consecutive days. The UK’s threshold for a heatwave varies from county to county. Here are some things to remember during the heatwave:
The sun’s harmful rays cause skin damage, so it’s crucial to wear sun protection. Unlike tanning beds, sun creams provide UV protection by filtering out harmful ultraviolet rays. Ideally, you should apply sunscreen every two hours to prevent burning. During the day, the UK’s strongest sunlight is between 11am and 3pm. Wear appropriate clothing, including long sleeves and hats. Those looking for high protection should consider SPF of 50+.
You may have been buying the wrong kind of sun cream for the heatwave in the UK. Sunscreens are rated by the star rating (SPF) of UVA and UVB protection. However, it doesn’t mean that a lower-rated one is worthless. Sunscreens are essential for protecting the skin from sunburn, as well as from the risk of skin cancer. The higher the star rating, the more effective it is.
The PA rating tells you how much protection a particular sunscreen offers against the sun’s harmful UVA rays. You should look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. A product with a high PA value will take 10 times longer to burn you than one with a lower PA. The highest PA rating is 50+, and you should opt for this if the heatwave is forecast to hit the UK.
Symptoms of heatstroke
If you are out in the heat, you may be at risk of developing a severe case of heatstroke. Heatstroke is a potentially life-threatening condition that damages the brain and internal organs. If untreated, heat stroke may lead to a coma or even death. The best course of action is to seek medical assistance immediately. While there is no specific treatment for heat stroke, the patient should be kept cool. The best way to cool down a person who has suffered a heat stroke is to seek shaded, shady area. A cool beverage, such as a sports drink, should be consumed immediately. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided. An ice pack can be applied to the neck, back, and armpits to provide relief.
While there is no cure for heatstroke, it can be prevented. Using sunscreen while out in the sun is a great way to keep the body’s temperature in check. However, some people are more susceptible to this dangerous condition than others. People with certain medical conditions and those who engage in strenuous activity may be at risk. Additionally, too much time in the sun can lead to dehydration, hyponatremia, and even coma. As a result, it is important to make sure you are wearing protective clothing, such as sunglasses and hats.
A hot day can be dangerous, especially for children and adults. Even with a sun-screen containing high SPF, it can take just 10 minutes to get a reddish hue. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, you should use insect repellent separately from sunscreen. If you’re using insect repellent, it’s important to remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
The UK could experience a heatwave in the summer of 2022. Recent weather reports have shown that temperatures in the UK could hit a record high today. Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium have all seen all-time highs for June. Despite being a relatively short period of time, northern Europe has never seen such extreme temperatures. The resulting heatwave is a potential threat to public health and raises questions about the UK’s readiness for heatwaves.