HOT WEATHER ADVICE FROM CATS PROTECTION
Cats are pretty good at knowing when they need to seek out shade, but could all use a little help in the heat!
Here are some simple ways to keep them cool and safe in warmer weather: http://spr.ly/WarmerWeather
It’s set to be a scorcher over much of Scotland this weekend 
If you’re planning to be outdoors follow our sun safety tips:
Taps aff? Slap the sun cream on!
Don’t be stingy, slather on a minimum of SPF 30 (but SPF 50 is even better!) over any exposed skin.
Hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE!
Don’t wait till your gaspin’. Drink regularly throughout the day – water and diluted juice are good choices, but ice poles and ice lollies count too. It might be tempting to crack out the beers when it is hot, but remember alcohol is a diuretic meaning it can cause dehydration. Alternate any alcoholic drinks with water or just juice.
Hide during the hottest temperatures
The sun is at it’s sassiest between 11am and 3pm and UV levels are at their highest. Try to keep in the shade as much as possible during these times.
Cover up those pasty bits!
You might want to shed some clothing when it’s roastin’, but your skin will thank you if it’s kept covered up. Think loose, cool fabrics like cotton, your fave pair of sunnies 
, and a big hat to keep the lugs, face and neck protected.
Mind those that need some extra help
Wee tots shouldn’t be in any direct sunlight for any length of time. Babies and bairns can get overheated quickly, so keep a close eye and make sure they are dressed properly for the hot weather.
Keep a check on the auld yins and anyone who has a long-term medical condition too
For more guidance and advice on how to stay safe in hot weather check out our page on #NHSinform
It’s going to be a hot couple of days, so whilst enjoying the weather, make sure you keep yourself well by:
Staying hydrated
Wearing sun cream and protective clothing
Sticking to the shade during peak heat hours
Check on elderly relatives/neighbours
Members of the public are being encouraged to stay safe in the sun as the current warm weather is expected to continue into this weekend.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) advised people to ensure they are protected from the sun, and to take care when barbecuing to prevent food poisoning.
It also highlighted the importance of getting the right care in the right place if help is needed for a health concern.
Common health conditions during nicer weather can include sunburn, food poisoning, bites and stings.
NHSGGC also highlighted the importance of keeping items like over-the-counter medicines, a first aid kit and an ice pack at home to help manage minor cuts, bruises, sprains and strains.
NHSGGC is asking people to consider the following:
For those requiring support or medical treatment for non-life-threatening conditions, there is a range of services available to help, and NHSGGC continues to ask people to ‘think ABC’ before attending A&E:
Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, visit the NHS Inform website or download the NHS24 app.
Be aware: There is help for many conditions right on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician offer a range of services. This could include directing you to a Minor Injuries Unit or arranging an appointment for you with NHSGGC’s Virtual A&E Flow Navigation Centre.
Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.
If you think your condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening, you should call 999 or go to A&E immediately.
For more information on accessing the care you need, please go to: Right Care, Right Place – NHSGGC.
Dr Emilia Crighton, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Director of Public Health, said: “This is a great time to get outside and enjoy warmer weather and longer days with friends and family.
“Please enjoy the good weather safely by covering up when in the sun, staying hydrated and making sure food is properly cooked if barbecued”.
“For those who do require support over this period, we want people to be aware that there are many services available to them other than emergency departments.
“By using NHS 24’s digital resources and through 111, people who need care can be seen by the most appropriate staff in the most appropriate setting.
“We ask everyone to think ABC before A&E. This will ensure you get the right care in the right place, will help reduce waiting times, and free up capacity for those who need it most.”
With warnings that temperatures could reach 27°C in parts of the UK on Monday, leading vet charity, PDSA, is urging pet owners across the country to be vigilant for heatstroke, which can be fatal.
This summer has seen periods with record amounts of rainfall and while the nation is familiar with mild weather, we’re often less prepared for scorching hot temperatures – especially when it comes to looking after our pets.
PDSA is warning pet owners to take extra care as the mercury rises, with the risk of furry family members experiencing heat-related illnesses significantly heightened.
PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, said: “Last year we treated over 300 cases of heatstroke, demonstrating the danger that hot temperatures can pose to our pets.
“On average, cats and dogs have a normal body temperature of 38-39°C, but heatstroke can strike once the body temperature starts to rise above 40°C – just a degree or two above their normal, making it incredibly important that pet owners recognise early signs and respond quickly to stop their pet’s body temperatures rising further.
“Without acting fast, heatstroke can cause serious health problems, including seizures, organ damage, internal bleeding, coma and even death. It becomes increasingly dangerous the longer it lasts, so the quicker you cool your pet down and then get them treatment from a vet, the better their chance of a full recovery.
“Whilst heatstroke is a scary prospect, familiarising yourself with the early warning signs and understanding how to administer first aid should the worst happen will help you keep your pet safe. In addition, knowing if your pet is at even higher risk helps you to put extra safety measures in place.
“Flat-faced dogs and cats can struggle to cool themselves. Dogs lose heat by panting, as well as through their paw pads and nose, whilst cats will lick themselves to cool down, breathing out to release heat as they do so.
“With much less space in their short noses, pets with flatter faces struggle to release body heat when they breathe out – so it’s important to take extra care to make sure they don’t over-heat in warm weather. Pets that are young or elderly, unwell, overweight or have dense coats are also at increased risk.
“Heatstroke symptoms can vary but during any hot weather spell, regularly check to see if your pet is excessively panting or having trouble breathing. Foaming around the mouth or vomiting, gums changing from a salmon pink colour to bright red or later, pale, trying to rest or appearing confused are all tell-tale signs. In more severe cases, heatstroke can take the form of your pet collapsing or having a seizure.
“If your pet is showing signs of heatstroke, you must administer first aid immediately. First, move your pet indoors to a cool room or into the shade, and start cooling them off. Gently pour cold water over their whole body, starting slowly to avoid them panicking. Be extremely careful they don’t inhale any water by keeping it away from their nose and mouth.
“With the air humid, it’s important to create a cool environment for your pet to cool down in. Create a breeze by opening windows and doors, and by turning on a fan and closing any curtains or blinds. Placing your pet on a cold, wet towel will help cool them further, but don’t put the towel over them as this can actually hold heat in. Whilst it’s important not to force them, offer your pet a drink of cool water.
“Even if your pet appears visibly cooler, it’s important you still contact your local vet as soon as possible. Transport your pet in an air-conditioned car or keep the windows open, making sure they are safely restrained inside the vehicle. If you can, bring a passenger with you who can keep an eye on your pet whilst you travel, and take plenty of drinking water for them.
“In severe cases, your vet may need to run blood and urine tests, put them on a drip to support their organs, and give them medication to prevent any further damage alongside further cooling. If this is the case, your pet may need to stay in the hospital for several days. Once stable and back home, you will need to monitor them closely for 24-48 hours, and let your vet know if they deteriorate or develop further symptoms.
“While nobody can control the weather, there are ways to prevent heatstroke from developing, and prevention is always better than cure. Regular grooming will help your pet to regulate their temperature as it prevents build-up of excess hair – especially if they are a giant breed or have a thicker coat.
“Don’t be tempted to go out for walks with your dog during peak heat hours. Not only might the pavement be too hot for their sensitive paws, but going for walks at the hottest time of the day can cause them to overheat. Walking before 8am or after 8pm when the sun is at its lowest will be a cooler alternative. If temperatures remain high though, it’s far safer for your dog to miss a walk than risk them overheating. Remember, dogs can become seriously unwell and even die on hot walks.
“If your pet has ongoing health problems, is overweight, or is a flat-faced breed, they will need extra TLC to keep them safe and hydrated. Excess weight can put a pet’s body under additional strain, and they will have thicker insulation from the excess body fat.
“Move small pets away from windows if kept indoors, and for those who live outside, cover a part of their run to provide shade, making sure there is always a draft of cool air. For pets that need to go outside for the toilet, they may find themselves enjoying the sun and stay out for too long, so keep an eye on them and call them back in before they get too warm”.
For more information on heatstroke in pets and how to prevent it, visit:
Cats Protection and Dogs Trust have joined forces to help owners keep their cats and dogs safe in the sun this summer.
The two leading pet charities say that despite their different quirks and behaviours, cats and dogs are equally as vulnerable when it comes to hot weather.
Alison Richards, Head of Clinical Services for Cats Protection, said: “We’re a nation of pet lovers and whether you’re a cat person or a dog person – or maybe a bit of both – you’ll want to keep your pet safe this summer.
“Many pets love to enjoy the great outdoors, but it’s important to bear in mind that very hot weather can put them at risk of illness and injury.”
Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director of Dogs Trust, says: “The sunshine might be great for us, however hot weather can cause problems for our canine friends.
“Dogs can’t regulate their body heat in the same way as humans, so extra care needs to be taken, especially when exercising or travelling in the car. In this weather, there is no safe amount of time to leave your dog alone in the car, even if you leave the window open.
“The good news is that steps can be taken to prevent our dogs suffering, such as only walking dogs in the coolest parts of the day, reducing their exercise, ensuring dogs have access to somewhere cool and shady to lay down and making sure they always have access to fresh water.”
The two charities have come up with a checklist to help owners keep cats and dogs safe this summer:
For more information on keeping cats and dogs safe this summer, visit:
Motorists are being warned to keep their cars cool at all times during the hot weather else risk breaking the Highway Code.
Insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have named six tips for drivers to keep their vehicles fully ventilated throughout summer.
Under rule 237 in the Highway Code, drivers should keep their vehicles fully ventilated at all times to avoid drowsiness and danger behind the wheel.
If caught and charged with dangerous driving, motorists could face two years in prison, unlimited fines and have their licence revoked.
Anyone getting behind the wheel this summer needs to ensure they have a fully ventilated vehicle for the whole journey but with the ever-increasing cost-of-living crisis, running the AC for the entire journey is not an option for many motorists.
Fuel usage can be increased by 10% by switching on the air con even for short journeys.
Internal temperatures of cars can reach dangerous levels – studies have measured vehicles reaching over 50°C, even on a cooler summer day.
Yet with the rise of petrol prices in the UK, many drivers are reluctant to turn on their air con, opting to save fuel and money.
However, there are several other ways drivers can keep cool this summer without having to switch on the air con.
Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “It’s important to make sure the car is fully ventilated throughout hot journeys or risk going against guidance from the Highway Code – putting drivers in danger of drowsiness behind the wheel and risking big penalties.
“For those with cars that do not have air con, or if they want to save fuel by not switching the cold air on, there are several cost-effective ways to ventilate the vehicle and stay cool in the car as temperatures continue to soar.
“Drivers can buy relatively inexpensive solar-powered fans to attach to the inside of vehicles or reflective screens to line the windscreen, keeping the heat out and reducing the temperature in the car before they set off.
“Drivers can also freeze water bottles to use as ice packs and to help them stay hydrated with the ice-cold water when they melt, or hang damp cloths over the vents to cool down the air.
“If motorists are hiring a car or in the process of buying a new one, the colour of the car itself can actually make a difference too, white cars reflect the heat and also tend to cool down quicker than cars of a darker colour, so worth bearing in mind.”
Here are Quotezone.co.uk’s tips on keeping cool and making savings this summer:
Watching where you park will help to stop the interior of the car getting too hot throughout the day. Leave your car underneath trees and overhanging bushes or find a large van or lorry to park beside.
If you’re buying a new car or hiring one on holiday, the colour can actually play a part in helping to keep the car cool. White cars reflect the heat and can actually cool down quicker. Lighter coloured seat covers can also help.
Drivers can purchase relatively inexpensive items such as pocket-sized fans to attach to their dashboard to stay cool and help ward off drowsiness. Sunshades can be bought to reflect the sun rays to reduce the vehicles interior temperature. It’ll also reduce the dashboard temperature and steering wheel by blocking out the hot sun – both accessories can normally be found for under £10.
Pop a water bottle in the freezer overnight, and in the morning wrap it up in a towel to stop any drips – it will help you keep cool and once melted, drivers will have ice-cold water to drink. Staying hydrated is vital on long hot journeys, dehydration can cause drowsiness – which is dangerous behind the wheel.
Plan ahead and avoid the hottest parts of the day if possible, normally between 1-3pm. If the trip can be made early or late in the day it’s best to do so and play it safe. Also don’t drive for more than 2 hours without taking a 15 minute break to recharge, as recommended by rule 91 of the Highway Code.
Draping a damp cloth over the vent will make the air blowing through much cooler. Remember to take the rags out of your car afterwards to prevent mildew building up. Leave the windows open if you’ve parked up for a summer picnic or doing some jobs in your front garden where you can keep an eye on your car.
For breakdown cover or to compare car insurance prices, Quotezone.co.uk can help.
With more hot weather forecast this week, NHS 24 are offering advice on how to stay safe in the sun as part of their summer health campaign ‘Hello Summer.’
Dr Laura Ryan, a GP and NHS 24’s Medical Director said: ‘We’ve had a few really hot and sunny days in Scotland this summer, which is brilliant for everyone to spend a lot of time outdoors.
‘Unfortunately, the hot weather isn’t good news for everyone, and it’s really important we follow some simple rules to ensure we avoid becoming unwell.
‘When it comes to being safe in the sun, prevention is definitely better than cure. It is best to avoid being in the sun between 12 noon and 3pm if possible. If you need to be outdoors, we advise that everyone, uses a high factor sun protection cream. The best quality lotions block both UVA and UVB rays. Also wear loose-fitting, light-weight clothing that covers your body.
‘If you’re unfortunate to become sunburnt, there’s simple steps to take to lessen the discomfort. The most obvious piece of advice is to avoid being in the sun at all until the redness subsides and don’t burst any blisters. Cool showers or applying cool towels to your body can provide some relief, using moisturiser which contains aloe vera after your shower, or taking painkillers can help with any painful or tight skin. However please check that pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen is safe for you to take.
‘Another weather-related condition which I wish to draw attention to is heat exhaustion or heat stroke.’
Signs or symptoms of heat stroke can include headache, feeling confused or dizzy, rapid pulse or fast breathing, body cramps (in the arms, legs and stomach), sick or vomiting, feeling dehydrated or thirsty, pale, sweaty or clammy skin, a high temperature of 38C or above.
Dr Laura Ryan continued: ‘If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be shaded from the sun and cooled down. Heat exhaustion is not normally serious if the person is treated within 30 minutes and symptoms begin to improve.
‘If there is no improvement in the person’s condition, but they are conscious, alert and responding normally call your local GP during opening hours for further advice. If your GP is closed, call NHS 24 on 111. If you feel their condition is in any way life-threatening, dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
‘I really encourage everyone to visit NHS inform as it has some great advice on how to stay safe in the sun. By being prepared and following these simple tips, I hope more people will be happy and healthy this summer.’
The summer season is in full swing, and with temperatures set to reach new highs, it is important to know how to dress appropriately for the heat, but with many of us deciding to head into the office, knowing how to stay comfortable and cool on these warm days can be tricky.
Fashion experts at Karen Millen have revealed the best workwear items to have in your wardrobe that not only keep you cool during the summer months whilst also staying stylish in the office.
Shirt Dress
A shirt dress is one of the most simple but effective ways to incorporate comfort into your wardrobe whilst also being work appropriate. There are many types of shirt dresses available and make for a solid wardrobe staple with very little effort.
Collared shirt dresses are the clear-cut way to look smart while keeping cool, they look most professional when styled with a light tailored jacket, and they are complimentary to every body type.
Similarly, if a collar is too much for you to handle on a hot day and your dress code allows for a slightly more casual approach, it might be better to opt for a basic t-shirt dress. To spice up a basic t-shirt dress for work, you can pair it with a lightweight blazer which will elevate the piece for more formal work occasions such as meetings, or you can smarten it up by pairing it with a high-quality cardigan and some heels.
If you are afraid a shirt dress would be unflattering for your body shape, or you just want to accessorise the look, incorporating a belt is the most flattering way to define your waist and create a more fitted look. Belts are also a great way to add more of a dimension to your look and create a more put-together feel on the most casual dresses.
Lightweight Trench Coat
A lightweight trench coat is a perfect way to add a longer element to any outfit and can be a great way of transitioning from cooler mornings to warm afternoons. There are many trench coats on the market currently, and they are available in many fabrics. The most popular lightweight-style trench is typically conditioned with cotton, which allows for wear even on hot summer days meaning you don’t have to worry about carrying it around all day or feeling too hot in it.
An excellent tip for styling a trench coat is to ensure the hemline of your outfit underneath is shorter than the hemline of the trench; this allows for a more youthful and natural look.
If you are not sure what shoes to opt for when pairing a trench with your outfit, there are many options to choose from depending on your style preference:
Linen
One of this summer’s most popular style materials is linen, so why not try incorporating it into your workwear? Linen is one of the most cooling fabrics available in every piece of clothing you need to stay breezy while working.
Shirt and Trouser Co-ord
It might seem like an obvious option, but a shirt and trouser co-ord can be greatly overlooked. The easiest way to stop the hassle of a what-to-wear breakdown before work is to opt for a co-ord as the outfit.
Many types of matching sets can be worn all year round, but in the summertime, it is a great option to try out lighter fabrics such as silk-blend fabrics, cotton and linen. A popular trend is to pair a matching shirt and trouser set with trainers for a casual, effortless look, so to elevate this for workwear, try adding some chunky jewellery and a pair of heels.
Although it might not be to everyone’s taste and can be seen to resemble sleepwear, many celebrities have been seen rocking this look and stepping out in these sets. For example, in 2018, Chrissy Teigen made headlines when stepping out in New York City in a red silk floral set which made fans lust over the bold statement causing many to follow suit. Four years later, this trend is still very much in fashion, so if a patterned pyjama set might cause too much chatter in the office, try a tailored co-ord set in a subtle colour or a structured set in a simple pattern and style up with heels.
Maxi Dress
A maxi dress is a staple in many workwear summer wardrobes as it is one of the most accessible and lightweight options to go for. There are many styles of the maxi dress, so the likelihood of finding a suitable one to follow any dress code is very easy.
A patterned maxi dress is a great way to introduce colours into your workwear, and a lot of the time doesn’t need a lot of styling or accessorising as the dress does all the talking. Shirt-style maxi dresses are also a fabulous way of smartening up the long dress and can be paired with trainers or sandals, depending on your style choice.
Another way to make your maxi dress more appropriate for a slightly stricter dress code is to pair it with a solid colour blazer; this will tie everything in and keep any casual maxi looking more professional and sophisticated for the office.
With temperatures set to soar to 30 degrees in parts of the UK this week, many people may find themselves tempted to splurge on household items to help keep them cool.
But keeping temperatures down at home can be expensive. Some hot weather tips are great for lowering the heat, but they can cause your costs to rise.
To help us to save whilst keeping cool this summer, consumer finance expert, Paul Wilson, has shared his top tips on heatwave hacks which can save up to £177 a month.
“Homes in the UK tend to be poorly prepared for heatwaves, so when the temperatures start to soar, it can be tempting to spontaneously splurge on the latest cooling gadget or device.”
“Whilst portable air conditioning units sound like a great idea in theory, in principle they can eat through your money and wrack up heavy costs on your energy bills. Our research shows that portable air conditioning units cost around 38p per hour.
“Based on the average run time of four hours, 18 mins during the day and four hours, 48 mins at night, this could add £24 per week onto your energy bill, if not more.
“According to Uswitch, running an standard electric fan will cost only £1.64 per week, which means running air conditioning would cost you over 14x more for the same effect!”
“There’s nothing worse than being kept awake all night due to the heat. Rather than buying satin sheets, opt for white cotton sheets. The light and breathable material will enable you to sleep much easier during a heatwave.
They come at the fraction of the cost of satin sheets which retail around £18. If you’re thinking of purchasing sheets for a double-bed, from a large online retailer, you could save as much as £7 by choosing the cotton option over satin.”
“Suncream is an essential summer toiletry, especially when the temperatures are set to hit highs of 30 degrees. But instead of splurging on summer sun essentials, ditch the household brands and choose supermarket branded items instead.”
“They’re just as safe and are often more than half the price of the branded alternative. For instance, you could get your hands on a budget-friendly suncream for £3.90 instead of a household name brand that retails at £7.”
“For those that suffer from Hayfever, try swapping out your usual branded packet of tablets for a generic branded packet to save half of the price.”
“Jumping in the shower is a great way to cool off instantly when the temperature climbs, but make sure you’re being efficient with your water usage. Reduce the number of baths you are taking and opt for a short, cold shower with a water-efficient shower head.”
“This saves you the cost of heating water and reduces steam which would make your bathroom hotter – which is the last thing you want in a heatwave. If you swapped a daily bath to a short four minute shower, you could save £24.82 over the course of a year.”
“It can be tricky to stay productive when you’re trying to work in a stuffy office or at home during a heatwave, especially when you’ve had a bad night’s sleep thanks to soaring temperatures. So, it’s a natural urge for many of us to want to reach for a cup of coffee for a caffeine boost in the morning.”
“But caffeine can actually make you feel hotter in a heatwave, as it can make you feel jittery, and this can have a knock-on effect on your productivity. Instead, try swapping your takeaway coffees, from a popular high street chain, for large bottles of water.
Keeping hydrated in a heatwave is crucial, as your body sweats more to keep itself cool. Plus, your wallet will thank you later, as you could easily save £6 each week by swapping your coffees for flavoured water.”
“When the heatwave hits, the last thing any of us want to do is generate more heat indoors. But did you know that electrical appliances generate heat whilst they’re in standby mode? Not only does this create more heat in your home, but it also adds extra costs to your utility bills.”
“The average UK household wastes around 30% of their energy usage, adding up to a huge £429 on an annual electricity bill. Appliances like TV’s generate heat when they are left on standby, so make sure you switch everything off if it’s not being used.”
“Hot weather is the perfect condition for air drying clothes and getting on top of that dreaded laundry pile. Check what rating your tumble dryer is, so that you can make some quick savings. For instance, a ‘C’ rated dryer costs over £100 a year to run, meaning that you can easily cut costs over the summer months simply by letting clothes air dry in the garden or well ventilated rooms in your home.”
“As with any cost-saving plans, the key is convenience when figuring out if you can stick to a cost-saving technique or not. Lockdown has been tough on all of us and the heatwave offers Brits a great chance to get out and about and make the most of restrictions lifting. Hopefully these tips will offer options on how to keep costs down and stay cool, whilst still being able to make the most of the great weather.”
Paul Wilson is a Consumer Finance Expert at Financial Conduct Authority authorised and regulated credit broker CashLady.com.
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot for too long, there are health risks.
In England, there are on average 2000 heat-related deaths every year. If hot weather hits this summer, make sure it does not harm you or anyone you know. The heat can affect anyone, but some people are at greater risk from it.
For some people – especially older people and those with underlying health conditions, as well as those who can’t adapt their behaviour to keep cool or who are exposed to high levels of heat because of where they live or work – the summer heat can bring real health risks. As our climate changes, hot spells are expected to be more frequent and more intense.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important that you know what actions to take to keep yourself and others safe from high temperatures.
The main health risks posed by a heatwave are:
Public Health England has published a number of resources outlining the risks of heat during COVID-19 and actions you can take to protect yourself and others. These include a ‘Beat the Heat: coping with heat and COVID-19’ leaflet and poster and a checklist to help keep your home cool, which are available on the Heatwave plan for England collection page. This also includes tips on how you can look out for others safely, whilst following guidance on COVID-19.
If you or someone else feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather or after physical exertion, you should stay alert to the possibility of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
Find out more about the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and when to get help.
If you have concerns about an uncomfortably hot house that’s affecting your health or someone else’s, get medical advice.
You can also get help from the environmental health office at your local authority. They, or an approved local provider, can inspect a home for hazards to health, including excess heat. Find your local authority here.
In addition, Age UK offers a range of free information and advice designed to help older people live well during the summer months and protect themselves when the temperature rises. For more information visit Age UK‘s website.
