REMEMBER to stay hydrated when the heatwave hits Wiltshire.

As temperatures are set to exceed 30 degrees Celsius this week, health leaders for Wiltshire are encouraging people to help older relatives, friends and neighbours stay cool and refreshed during the hot weather.

Babies, children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to dehydration, which can show itself through symptoms like increased thirst, a dry mouth, dark urine, and urinating infrequently or in small amounts.

Aim to drink six to eight glasses or cups of water, lower fat milks, tea and coffee throughout the day.

Fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks do count but can be high in sugar, so limiting them to 150ml a day and trying diet, sugar-free or no added sugar drinks instead is a good idea. Alcohol and energy drinks cause dehydration to happen faster and should be drunk as little as possible.

Carers and those looking after older relatives, as well as parents of young children, are being advised to make sure they don’t forget to top up their own hydration levels during the hot weather.

Water filling points across the area are readily available and free of charge. Visit refill.org, nhs.uk and bsw.icb.nhs.uk