A heatwave covering south-east Australia means people need to stay cool, hydrate and stay indoors, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) says.
The public has been reminded to prioritise hydration, rest indoors and check on those more susceptible to heat exhaustion or stroke.
The warning follows a Bureau of Meteorology warning of a heatwave covering more than half of the country with temperatures forecast to exceed 45 degrees Celsius in some areas.
Affected capital cities include Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright says high temperatures pose many health risks.
“Heat waves can be deadly. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that this promises to be the ‘most significant’ heatwave south-eastern Australia has seen in six years,” he says.
“My advice for all Australians is to drink plenty of water, try to stay indoors if possible during those peak UV hours of 11am-3pm, and remember to ‘slip, slop, slap’.
“It’s also important to check in on friends and family members who are more vulnerable to the impact of heat waves, including older people.”
HEATWAVE COMPLACENCY
Dr Wright is also warning against complacency.
“We’re accustomed to hot weather; however, we must not underestimate the serious health effects that can occur even for young and healthy people,” he says.
“Heat waves have caused the most hospitalisations related to extreme weather over the last decade, and the risk of hospitalisation increases with age.
“Almost one third of hospitalisations relating to extreme heat occur in people aged 65 (years) and over.”
Dr Wright points out that it’s not only older patients who face health problems from rising temperatures.
“So, please spread the word to people in your life – stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay indoors if you can.
“At the same time, please make sure to check in on people in your life to ensure they’re okay.
“This includes not only older patients but infants, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, people with chronic disease and those with conditions that may impair sweating.”
Last year, Queensland Health and RACGP collaborated on the Primary Care Guide to Heat Health Management to help GPs and practice teams care for patients and staff.
The RACGP is the peak representative organisation for doctors.
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