(from The Guardian but look at the last paragraph)

TV weather to give heatwave health advice


TV and radio weather forecasts will offer health advice on how to cope
with a heatwave, health officials said today as temperatures in
England soared to 31C (87F).

Under plans drawn up by the Department of Health (DoH), BBC and ITN
weather forecasts will for the first time include tips on how to stay
healthy in high temperatures and viewers will be referred to the
telephone helpline NHS Direct.

The measures are part of contingency plans for England to avoid a
repeat of August 2003 when more than 2,000 deaths were attributed to
the heatwave, mainly among people over 75.

Mike Gill, the regional director of public health for south-east
England, said advice will be provided on national and local TV and
radio weather forecasts.

Dr Gill said: "The detail of how much health advice will be provided
in forecasts is still being negotiated with the Met Office. But we
expect it will include basic guidelines such as staying in the shade
and drinking plenty of water.

"We also want a specific reference for the public to think about
whether they know anyone who'd be particularly vulnerable from the
effect of hot weather, such as older people."

Long-range forecasts from the Met Office indicate above average
temperatures this July and August. Temperatures could match the record
high of 38.5C (101F) recorded in Brogdale, Kent, on August 10 2003.
Over a 10-day period, the number of deaths was 17% above average
across England, rising to 42% above average in London.

Weather forecasts would provide similar information to the survival
guide, Heatwave: A Guide to Looking After Yourself, published bythe
government's chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, earlier this
month. It includes advice such as:
·: plan your day so you can stay out of the heat and avoid going out
during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm;
·: if you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light,
loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton. Take plenty of water with
you;
·: take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day
with cold water. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and
fruit;
·: look after older people. They are much more prone to the effects of
heat.

Dr Gill said the aim of the plans was to shift public attitudes
towards hot weather.

"Heat is still seen as an opportunity to take your clothes off on the
beach or give lollies to zebras at the zoo," he said. "We want people
to take care of their own health but also to look out for anyone
particularly vulnerable, such as older people living alone at home
while their relatives are away on holiday."

· The BBC has backed down after a storm of complaints over its new
weather forecast. Changes to the map will be made tomorrow, it has
emerged.