Most of us welcome the warm weather and to help people stay healthy in the heat, NHS Sutton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is sharing some simple tips to follow.
The health of the elderly, young children and babies, and those with serious illnesses can be severely affected by dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke and sunburn.
General tips for being sun safe are:
•try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
•wear sunscreen and reapply regularly
•wear loose cotton clothing, a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors
•drink cold drinks like water and fruit juice regularly to stay hydrated – avoid tea, coffee and alcohol
•seek shade
•never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
•check up on friends, relative and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
For babies:
•keep them out of the sun as much as possible, especially when the sun is at its strongest
•if you go out on a hot day attach a parasol or sunshade to the pushchair and keep them out of direct sunlight
•you and your baby should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
•if you are breastfeeding you don’t need to give them water as well as breast milk
•if you are bottle feeding, as well as their usual milk feeds, you can give your baby cooled boiled water throughout the day
•if your baby wakes at night, they will probably want milk but if they have had their usual milk feeds, try cooled boiled water.
It is important to apply high factor suncream for all babies and children, many brands are formulated specifically, offering total sun protection factor (SPF) of 50 plus. Apply the suncream regularly, particularly if your child is in and out of the sea or a paddling pool. A sunhat, preferably one with a wide brim or a long flap at the back, will protect your child's head and neck from the sun.
Local GP and GP Clinical Lead at Sutton CCG, Dr Jonathan Cockbain, said: "The last thing we want is to stop people enjoying their summer but we all need to be aware of the health risks associated with hot weather. By following some simple advice on how to stay safe in the sun, we can protect those who are most vulnerable and avoid damaging our own health in the long-term."