Long Melford is more difficult as no air conditioning available but we will continue to open and have the nurse in attendance, and according to the temperature on the day in the hall, we will have a shorter session (45mins) of gentler exercise.
On days where conditions are considered too extreme for exercise, we could replace the session with an educational session (e.g. heart-healthy nutrition, hydration strategies, healthy ageing, or exercise and cardiovascular health).

Anyone experiencing the following symptoms should not exercise without seeing the nurse.
Dizziness, chest pain, nausea or unusual breathlessness
Headache, confusion or excessive lethargy.
Recent illness/ Recent changes to cardiac medication
AT ALL TIMES WE WILL BE GUIDED BY THE CARDIAC ADVISORS AND INSTRUCTORS
We hope this clarifies the situation and we will review during the summer to see how it is working.

MESSAGE FROM MICHELLE OUR HEAD CARDIAC INSTRUCTOR

Keeping Safe in Hot Weather

Information for members of Upbeat Heart Support
Your health and safety are our priority.
Why does hot weather affect the heart?
When the weather becomes very hot, your body has to work much harder to keep itself cool. Blood vessels widen to release heat, your heart pumps harder and often faster, and you lose fluid and salts through sweating. For people living with heart conditions, this extra workload can place additional strain on the heart.

You may notice
· Feeling more tired than usual.
· Dizziness or light-headedness.
· Lower blood pressure.
· Breathlessness.
· Palpitations.
· Swollen ankles or dehydration.
· Feeling faint or unsteady.

Why medication matters
Many heart medications can affect how your body responds to heat. Water tablets (diuretics) increase fluid loss, blood pressure medicines may lower blood pressure further when blood vessels widen, and beta blockers may reduce your body's ability to respond to heat. Never stop or change your medication without speaking to your GP or cardiac team.

Why older adults are more vulnerable
As we age, we become less aware of thirst and our bodies are less efficient at controlling temperature. Many people also live with several health conditions and take multiple medications, increasing the risk of dehydration and low blood pressure during hot weather.

Our Hot Weather Exercise Policy
During periods of extreme heat, Upbeat Heart Support may adapt or cancel exercise sessions to keep everyone safe.
· Classes may be shortened or cancelled if conditions are unsafe.
· Where appropriate, exercise intensity will be reduced.
· More seated exercises, stretching and mobility work may be used.
· Regular hydration and rest breaks will be encouraged.
· Blood pressure, heart rate and symptoms may be checked before exercise.

Please tell an instructor immediately if you experience:
· Chest pain or tightness.
· Severe breathlessness.
· Dizziness or feeling faint.
· Palpitations.
· Nausea or confusion.
· Feeling unusually hot or unwell.

Remember
Missing one exercise class because of extreme heat will not affect your long-term progress. Exercising when your body is struggling to cope with the heat could place unnecessary strain on your heart. Our goal is to keep you active, confident and, above all, safe.