BoM issues severe weather warnings as temperatures soar above 40 in Victoria; extreme bushfire risk declared for Wimmera; Adelaide, Perth, Hobart swelter
Before Australia is scorched by the season’s first heatwave, top doctors are reminding people that extreme heat can be fatal.
President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Dr. Michael Wright said people need to remember three important things to stay safe this week: stay cool, stay hydrated and stay inside.
“My advice to all Australians is to drink plenty of water, try to stay indoors if possible between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are at their highest, and remember to ‘slip, slide, swipe’.” he said.
“It’s also important to check on friends and family members who are more vulnerable to the impact of heatwaves, including older people.”
Doctors are urging people to stay hydrated during the heatwave. Credit: Getty Images
Dr Wright said almost a third of hospitalizations due to extreme heat occurred in people over the age of 65, but warned it wasn’t just older Australians who could suffer serious health problems when the mercury rose.
“If someone doesn’t make an effort to survive rising temperatures, it can put a tremendous strain on their body,” he said.
“As Australians we are used to hot weather, but we should not underestimate the serious health impacts it can have, even for young and healthy people,” he said.
“Heatwaves have caused the highest number of hospitalizations linked to extreme weather over the past decade, and the risk of hospitalization increases with age.
“So please spread the word to the people in your life – stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay inside if you can.
“At the same time, please be sure to check that the people in your life are OK. This includes not only elderly patients, but also babies, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as people with chronic illnesses and those with conditions that can impair sweating.”
