NHS Direct reports increase of calls during heat wave

NHS Direct, the multimedia medical advice service provided by phone, has reported an increased number of calls during the recent hot weather by people asking about the effects of heat.

Dr Mike Sadler, a spokesman for NHS Direct, said a large number of people needed help with dealing with heat exhaustion and dehydration.

He told BBC One’s Six O’Clock News: “There are probably 3,000 or 4,000 more calls than we expected on Sunday, mainly about heat-related issues.”

“The symptoms that people get are often headaches, feeling dehydrated and a little weak,” he added.

Earlier this week, the Salt Manufacturers’ Association (SMA) accused the Department of Health of providing insufficient advice to the elderly regarding their salt levels.

The association said that while the elderly have been advised to drink plenty of water, they have not been given enough information about maintaining sodium levels, which if too low could lead to strokes and heart attacks.

Peter Sherratt, SMA general secretary, stated: “Many older people have cut back on salt as a result of the government’s blanket advice and they could now be highly at risk.”

Salt helps to maintain muscle function and the body’s fluid balance.

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