How to Manage in a Heatwave
Sheila Frost, our Welfare Officer, has this advice for us to best manage during this hot spell of weather:
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and diluted low-sugar squash
Keep your home/environment cool (and yourself with cool sponges, fans, etc)
Stay indoors in the shade, especially avoiding midday sun
Store your medication at the correct temperature
Risk Factors
Extreme heat is dangerous for older adults as the body loses its ability to regulate temperature effectively – Reduced sweating (sweat glands less efficient)
Common prescriptions (eg diuretics, sedatives and beta-blockers) can hinder body’s ability to regulate heat and increase dehydration.
Cognitive decline – heat stress can cause disorientation or delirium, particularly in individuals with dementia. .
Pre-existing risks – Hot weather puts strain on the heart and lungs, which can trigger cardiovascular or respiratory problems.
Medication – Check storage requirements of any prescribed medication – many medications must be kept below 25C or in a fridge.
How to Prevent Heat Problems.
Stay Hydrated Drink plenty of water or diluted low sugar squash regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty, limit alcohol and caffeine, as these cause dehydration.
Manage your environment – Keep your home cool by closing curtains and blinds during the day. Open windows only at night when it is cooler outside
Avoid midday Sun – Stay indoor in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest. If you need to go out, wear sunscreen, hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
Cool Down Quickly – take cool baths or sponge your skin with cool water.
Treatment of Heat Exhaustion
Rest in a cool place, remove unnecessary clothing, cool the skin (wet flannel, sponge, cold packs around neck and armpits), fan the skin, plenty of water to drink. Should start to feel better within 30 minutes.
Heat Exhaustion (not usually serious as long as you can cool yourself down). Can turn into Heatstroke (a medical emergency which requires immediate treatment)
Signs to watch for and act quickly –
Feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of water, not sweating even while feeling too hot, temperature 40C or above, fast breathing or short of breath, feeling confused, a seizure, loss of consciousness, not responsive,
If you or someone you know shows signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke seek medical advice.
Use 111 for heat exhaustion (urgent but non-emergency help).
Always dial 999 for life-threatening emergencies like heatstroke.
| Differences between heat exhaustion and heatstroke | |
| Heat exhaustion | Heatstroke |
| Feeling faint or dizzy | Feeling confused |
| Excessive sweating | No sweating |
| Clammy skin | Temperature over 400 , hot dry skin |
| Nausea or vomiting | Nausea or vomiting |
| Muscle cramps | May lose consciousness, or experience convulsions or seizures |
The latest edition (issue 34) of our newsletter July/August (thanks Deb!) is now available to read in PDF format.
The latest version of our Mini Newsletter April 2026 from our Chair Paul K is now available to read in PDF format.
Our coffee mornings are held regularly and details will appear on the Events Page. You’ll also receive emails letting you know when and where the next one is.
As the coffee mornings are very popular please reply to the emails asap as this is done on a first come first serve basis and there are a limited amount of places.
Talks which are planned for the year, are normally held at the United Reform Church (URC) Caterham on Mondays at 2.00pm. (Please note new time). If you can help to put out chairs, please come along at 1.30pm.
Please note the hall capacity is for 80 to be seated, so places are available first come first served on the day.
Visit the Events Page for details by clicking on the button below.
Last year's AGM was held on Monday 25th November 2025 at 2.30pm at the United Reform Church (URC) Caterham
2025’s AGM was well attended on the 25th November and was an opportunity to meet your committee members, listen to what has been done during the year and have a mulled wine and mince pie and good conversation. The draft minutes of the meeting can be found here. To see the the AGM Agenda and all the reports, or the draft minutes of the meeting, please click on the relevant button above.
Caterham & District u3a have 2 Facebook groups.
- Our main Facebook group which is searchable on the internet. If you would like to add anything, please send a message to Paul K . Please note that publishing personal items for sale is not permitted. Please visit this Facebook group and click on the "thumbs up" icon, as this is quite important as it will enable us to increase the circulation.
- A members only Facebook group which can only be seen by our u3a members who apply and have been accepted. This page is to allow members to share things about the Caterham and District u3a. Ideas, what you have done, suggestions are all welcome. Please note that publishing personal items for sale is not permitted.
If you are booking a trip with Riviera travel you can get a 10% rebate for our u3a once completed. It is very simple as follows:
Please mention our u3a name and details to a sales agent at the time of booking.
If booking online, there should be an option towards the end of the online booking process that allows you to add those details in. if not, or it is an existing booking, please email affinity@rivieratravel.co.uk.
Once your trip is completed Riviera will send you a proforma invoice. This should be sent to Ken Johnson, our Treasurer , for his implementation. Please email him for his address.
Looking forward to your support where possible...