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Media Advisory - Keep cool and hydrated
It’s a long-held view that summer’s hottest days arrive just as the children return to school – and that’s set to ring true with a week of high temperatures forecast across the country in the coming week.
The North Canterbury town of Waiau recorded a high of 37 degrees on Thursday - the warmest temperature recorded in New Zealand in almost seven years.
Weather forecasters are predicting a run of hot days, peaking on Tuesday and Wednesday with forecast highs of 32 in Christchurch.
The small West Coast town of Reefton is set to swelter with 5 days of predicted 30+ temperatures.
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Alistair Humphrey says older people, children and those with underlying medical conditions are most at risk from the impacts of heat stress.
“It’s especially important to stay out of the sun, avoid extreme physical exertion and ensure that babies, children, and elderly people (and pets) are not left alone in stationary cars.”
Dr Humphrey says extreme heat can affect blood pressure & hydration, and he urges people to seek help if they feel dizzy, weak or have intense thirst or a headache.
“Good hydration is key, try to consume
at least two litres of water a day and avoid drinking
alcohol in the hot weather as it speeds up
dehydration.”
As well as being SunSmart (Slip, Slop,
Slap & Wrap) if outdoors, residents are advised to keep
their houses cool by opening windows to get a breeze,
closing curtains to keep the sun out and consider using the
cool cycle on heat pumps.
If you feel unwell and are
concerned about your health, or someone else’s, seek
medical advice.
In Canterbury you can call your own
General Practice team 24/7 for care around the clock –
after hours a nurse can provide free health advice. If
it’s urgent and you need to be seen, they will tell you
what to do and where to go.
Further information on
keeping healthy in hot weather will be available later this
afternoon on our website www.cdhb.health.nz
Canterbury DHB
CDHB
Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is a Christchurch, New Zealand based hospital and healthcare provider for the
Canterbury region of New Zealand. Our region extends from Kekerengu in the North, to Rangitata in the South and Arthurs Pass in the West and comprises the six Territorial Local Authorities of Kaikoura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Christchurch City, Selwyn and Ashburton.
We collaborate with other health and disability organisations, stakeholders and our community to decide what health and disability services are needed and how to best use the funding we receive from Government to improve, promote and protect the health, wellbeing and independence of our population.
At the Canterbury DHB, our vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Canterbury.
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