DEATH and taxes may be life’s only certainties, but in the world of cinema there’s two other truths Forum 6 manager Grant Lee can bank on.
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The rain and the heat.
Combine Thursday’s scorching heat with this week’s release of the latest Star Wars movie and you’ve got a formula for a financial fillip for the cinema’s manager.
Mr Lee said the cinema has been very busy in the past few days and he expected the hot-run to continue with the next seven days predicted to top at least 38 degrees.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, it’s set to be the longest run of 35-plus degree days wholly in the month in December since records started at the Tamworth airport in 1992.
He said the crowds always flock-in to the flicks when it rains or when the mercury rises.
While many were kicking back in the cinema’s air-conditioned comfort, health experts have warned not to take the heatwave lightly.
Hunter New England public health physician Kat Taylor said the ongoing heat could spell dire consequences for some vulnerable communities.
“Extreme heat waves can lead to a more than 10 per cent increase in deaths and ambulance call outs,” Dr Taylor said.
She warned locals to watch out for signs and symptoms of “heat-related illness”.
“You might think you're just feeling pretty average,” she said.
But symptoms like “nausea, vomiting, fainting and dizziness, loss of appetite” could point to a more serious ailment.
Dr Taylor said the elderly, infants and children were the most susceptible and had a few tips for staying safe, including seeking air-conditioning.
“Water intake is crucial, carry water with you if you're out and about,” she said.
“Avoid strenuous activity in the heat of the day.
“It’s a good time, with the more vulnerable to heat-related illness in the community, to stay in contact, particularly with the elderly and look out for them.”
If you’re thinking a dip in the pool would be ideal, NSW Health has asked people to think twice if, if they’ve had a bout of gastro in recent weeks.
NSW Health is urging people not to swim for two weeks after having diarrhoea to avoid contaminating pools with the nasty infection cryptosporidiosis, with cases expected to rise over summer.
Since November 1, 56 cases have been reported.
“Cryptosporidiosis is easily spread from person to person in swimming pools, splash parks, interactive fountains, spas or jacuzzis,” director of health protection Jeremy McAnulty said.
“We usually see cases increase over summer, and there have been plenty of outbreaks caused by contaminated swimming pools. If an infected person gets into a pool, and another swimmer swallows even a small amount of pool water, they can get infected and will start experiencing diarrhoea a few days later.”
Beat the heat
- Drink plenty of water, and remember to carry some with you when out and about.
- Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks.
- Plan your day around the heat, particularly in the middle of the day, and minimise physical activity.
- Keep the sun out by shading windows with curtains, blinds or closing shutters.
- Keep windows closed during the day until it cools down and shut again in the early morning.
- Try to spend time in an air-conditioned place like a shopping centre, library or cinema.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
- When outdoors, stay protected from the sun by wearing a hat and sunscreen.
- Check on elderly neighbours and relatives.