This week temperates are expected to soar to 41 degrees with the high thirties for a number of days throughout the Hunter region.
Health professionals say during this heatwave, the vulnerable members of the community such as the elderly and small children will have the most adverse health effects.
Heat has a significant strain on the community as a whole with dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion having serious impacts on people's health and safety.
Health professionals are warning everyone to hydrate and plan their day based on the hottest periods while looking out for their neighbours and family members dealing with the heat.
Hunter New England Health physician, Dr Kat Taylor says, "Heat can seriously interfere with blood circulation and therefore causes dehydration and heatstroke."
"While heat-related illness can affect anyone there are certain groups of people that are particularly vulnerable such as older people, infants and children, people with a chronic medical condition and those who live alone."
"It can certainly put a strain on health services as well, a NSW health study this year found that extreme heatwaves can lead to a more than ten percent increase in both deaths and ambulance callouts."
"We urge people to look after themselves in the heat, to avoid going out in the middle of the day and to stay cool and keep themselves hydrated."
"Drink plenty of water and carry some with you when you're out and about while minimising unnecessary physical activity."
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| IMAGE SOURCE: The New Daily |
