Healthcare Never Stops for a Heatwave: Why Staying Fit Matters More Than Ever

When temperatures soar, most people have the luxury of staying indoors, finding some shade or postponing exercise until the evening.

For thousands of health and social care professionals, that’s simply not an option.

Whether you’re supporting people in their own homes, walking between hospital wards, wearing PPE or helping someone move safely, caring is a physically demanding job every day of the year. During hot weather, those demands become even greater.

Why fitness matters in care

Working in health and social care is physical. Research has shown that regular exercise can improve cardiovascular fitness, strength, stamina and recovery, helping people cope better with physically demanding jobs. It can also improve sleep, reduce stress and support mental wellbeing—all vital for those working long shifts.

The goal isn’t to become an athlete. It’s about giving your body the resilience it needs to care for others safely.

Heat changes everything

When it’s hot, your body works harder to keep itself cool. That means your heart beats faster, you sweat more and you lose both water and essential salts. If these aren’t replaced, you may begin to experience:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Poor concentration
• Slower reaction times

For someone working in healthcare, even mild dehydration can affect decision-making, communication and physical performance.

Hydration is part of patient safety

Many healthcare professionals admit they forget to drink enough water during busy shifts. Simple habits can make a big difference:

• Carry a refillable water bottle.
• Drink regularly rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.
• Eat foods with a high water content, such as fruit.
• If you’re sweating heavily for prolonged periods, consider drinks that replace electrolytes as well as fluids.
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol if you’re already dehydrated.

Looking after yourself isn’t selfish—it’s part of delivering safe care.

Technology can help

If you’re someone who regularly forgets to drink or move, there are plenty of apps designed to help. Hydration reminder apps can prompt you to drink throughout the day, while fitness trackers and smart watches can encourage movement, monitor heart rate and even remind you when you’ve been inactive for too long.

Small prompts often lead to lasting habits.

Here are a few popular options available in the UK:

• Waterllama – A fun hydration reminder app that encourages you to reach your daily water intake goals with visual progress tracking.
• WaterMinder – One of the most popular hydration apps, allowing you to set personalised drinking goals and receive reminders throughout the day.
• Google Fit – Tracks walking, activity minutes and heart points, making it easy to monitor movement during and outside of work.
• Apple Health – Built into every iPhone, it records steps, walking distance, mobility and integrates with many fitness and hydration apps.
• Fitbit – Fitbit smartwatches and fitness trackers can remind you to move every hour, monitor heart rate, track sleep and encourage regular activity.

Exercise smarter, not harder

If you’re trying to stay active during a heatwave, experts recommend adjusting your routine rather than stopping altogether.

Consider:

• Exercising early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Reducing the intensity of workouts.
• Choosing shaded routes or exercising indoors.
• Wearing lightweight, breathable clothing.
• Listening to your body and stopping if you feel unwell.

Caring starts with you

Health and social care professionals spend every day encouraging others to stay healthy. Perhaps it’s time we gave ourselves the same advice.

Being fitter doesn’t just make work easier—it can reduce fatigue, improve wellbeing and help ensure you’re able to continue delivering the outstanding care your patients, residents and clients rely on, whatever the weather.

What do you think?

Do you think enough is being done to support the health and wellbeing of people working in health and social care? What helps you stay active and hydrated during busy shifts?

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Email editorial@dailyround.news and your views could feature in a future edition of Daily Round.

Medical & Product Disclaimer

The information published by Daily Round is intended for general information and educational purposes only. It should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not replace guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

If you have concerns about your health or the health of someone you support, seek advice from your GP, NHS 111 or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. In a medical emergency, call 999 or attend your nearest Accident & Emergency department.

Any apps, websites, wearable devices or other products mentioned within our articles are provided as examples only to support readers in exploring available tools. Their inclusion does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation or guarantee by Daily Round. Readers should consider their own individual needs and undertake their own research before downloading, purchasing or relying on any product or service.

While every effort is made to ensure the information we publish is accurate and based on reputable sources at the time of publication, medical knowledge, public health guidance and product features may change over time. Readers should always refer to the latest guidance issued by the NHS, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and other relevant health authorities where appropriate.