Keeping Safe in the Sun

How great is it that the school holidays have started with such awesome weather?! I think everyone loves it when it's sunny and warm (maybe not so much when you're trying to go to sleep and it's REALLY hot, but in the days it's nice to have summer here!) The warmer weather may suit you if you have half a working heart but it is VERY important that you don't become dehydrated. Dehydration means that there is less blood circulating around your body and this effects the way your heart works, and how your kidneys work. It also can make the blood stickier so this means that there is a greater risk of getting blood clots.

Make sure that you have plenty to drink throughout the day (even if you don't feel thirsty!) and especially if you are on diuretics - if you aren't sure what medication you're on, talk to your parents. It's a great idea to carry of bottle of water with you wherever you go to make sure you keep hydrated.

Try and stay in the shade during the hottest parts of the day (normally between 11am and 3pm) so that you don't get sunburn. Keep an eye out too for signs of heat exhaustion - feeling dizzy, fainting, headaches, shivers and goosebumps - and tell your parents if you have any of these, normally a good drink and staying in the shade should help. Try and have catch up rests in the shade too so that you can reinvigorate yourselves! 

For more information about keeping safe in the sun look at our Travel and Trips Booklet.