Warm, sunny weather lifts the spirits and make our world seem a little brighter. But it's important to remember to take extra care to make sure we're well protected. Over heating can have all sorts of consequences, not least of which are frayed tempers and an inability to think clearly.

It's all very well having that 'manana' attitude when you're on holiday –that's what holidays are all about – but for the rest of the long, hot summer we have to get on with our day to day lives. Children have to either attend school or play together without the luxury of a hotel swimming pool to splash about in all day.

The biggest problem with getting too hot is dehydration, and it doesn't take long before you're experiencing discomfort and thirst, and in extreme situations, dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, nausea and a feeling of weakness and exhaustion. Remember to drink plenty of fluids – ideally cool water - and keep intake of alcohol, caffeine and salt down to a minimum. Drink even when you don't feel thirsty to keep your water levels up and try and stick to cold salads when you can, and snack on cool fruit.

Make sure you and your family wear light-weight, light-coloured, loose fitting clothes, and tempting as it may be for the young ones to strip off, they are better protected when they are covered.

If they need a change of clothes during the day because it's so hot, you can offset the increased loads by washing the clothes at 30 degrees to save energy. But don't worry. You'll get a brilliant wash at a cooler temperature, and in this warm weather, the clothes will dry in no time.

If the children are playing in the garden make sure they wear sun screen. You could also get them into the habit of pouring a bit of iced water into their cap or sunhats before they put them on again. They'll think it is great fun, but it's also an excellent way of keeping their heads cool.
If there is a ban on sprinklers in your area take them to a swimming pool or lido.

And do remember, if the heat does become intolerable, stay indoors and avoid doing anything too strenuous.