Forecast heatwave conditions in thelead up to New Year has NSW Health again reminding people to take action to avoidheat-related illness.
NSW Health Director of EnvironmentalHealth, Dr Richard Broome, said people should take extra precautions astemperatures are expected to climb into the 40s across much of the state in thenext few days.
"Staying indoors during the heat of theday to keep cool, minimising physical activity and staying well hydrated areimportant ways to reduce the risk of heat-related illness," said Dr Broome.
"Heat puts a lot of strain on the bodyand can cause dehydration, heat stress and heat stroke. It can also makeunderlying conditions worse. People over the age of 75, people with chronicconditions and those who live alone are most vulnerable.
"Signs of heat related illness includedizziness, tiredness, irritability, thirst, fainting, muscle pains or cramps, rapidpulse, shallow breathing, vomiting and confusion."
Simple precautions can reduce the riskof heat-related illness:
- avoid the heat of the day by staying indoors andkeeping cool by using air-conditioning, fans and drawing blinds and curtainsclosed;
- keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water;
- check on the welfare of vulnerable neighbours,friends and family; and
- plan ahead for hot days.
"It's important to get to a cool placequickly if symptoms occur. People showing severe signs of heat-related illnessshould seek urgent medical attention, in an emergency situation call TripleZero (000)," Dr Broome said.
More informationcan be found at the NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat
