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Heatwave: Tips to Keep Your Child with Sickle Cell Safe

Published about 2 months agoΒ β€’Β 3 min read

🚨 HEATWAVE ALERT

Read Time: 5-10 minutes

Who should read this?​
Parents, carers, teachers and anyone supporting a child living with sickle cell.

Heatwave: Tips to Keep Your Child with Sickle Cell Safe

Hello Reader,

The UK is experiencing another heatwave, with temperatures climbing into the 30sΒ°C and an amber heat-health alert in place across England.

While many people see sunshine as a chance to enjoy the outdoors, families living with sickle cell know that extreme heat can bring real health risks.

That's why we've put together this special edition to help you understand why heat matters, what practical steps you can take, and when it's time to seek urgent medical care.

We hope you'll also share this with another family who may need it.

Health Spotlight

Why Heat Can Trigger a Sickle Cell Crisis.

When the weather gets hotter, your child's body loses more water through sweating. If that lost fluid isn't replaced, dehydration can happen more quickly than you might expect.

Here's why that matters for children living with sickle cell:

β˜€οΈ Heat increases the risk of dehydration.

⬇️

πŸ’§ Dehydration means there's less fluid in the bloodstream, making the blood thicker and slower to flow.

⬇️

🩸 Thicker blood makes it easier for sickle-shaped red blood cells to stick together and block small blood vessels.

⬇️

⚠️ Blocked blood flow can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching different parts of the body, triggering a painful sickle cell crisis.

This is why staying cool and well-hydrated isn't just about comfort during a heatwave. it's one of the most important ways to help reduce the risk of a pain crisis.

πŸ’‘Remember: In hot weather, prevention is always better than treatment. Small, regular sips of water and staying cool can make a big difference.

Know the Red Flags.

Imagine your child has been playing outside all afternoon. By evening they're unusually tired and complaining of a headache. Is it just the heat or could it be the start of a pain crisis?

These early signs can look very similar. That's why recognizing symptoms early and acting quickly is so important.

Contact your sickle cell team, NHS 111, or go to A&E / call 999 if your child has any of the following:

  • Pain that isn't easing with their usual pain relief
  • A temperature of 38Β°C or above
  • Confusion, extreme drowsiness, or difficulty waking
  • Fast or difficult breathing
  • No improvement after 30 minutes of rest, shade and fluids

When in doubt, don't wait it out β€” get them checked.

Crescent Kids Update

As temperatures continue to rise across the UK, kindly refer to this resource corner for practical guidance.

We'll continue sharing seasonal health advice through The Crescent Circle and the Eli Health App so families have reliable information when they need it most.

Resource Corner

Keeping Your Home Cool

βœ” Close curtains during the day

βœ” Open windows once it's cooler outside

βœ” Choose one "cool room"

βœ” Avoid using the oven

βœ” Switch off unused electronics

Keeping Your Child Hydrated

βœ” Offer water regularly

βœ” Little and often

βœ” Avoid caffeinated drinks

βœ” Carry a water bottle

Staying Cool

βœ” Loose cotton clothing

βœ” Cool flannel

βœ” Cool shower before bed

βœ” Avoid outdoor activity between 11am–3pm

Cooling on a Budget

You don't need an air conditioner to get through this. A few free or nearly-free options:

  • Ice-bowl fan trick: put a bowl of ice or frozen bottles in front of a regular fan β€” it turns warm air into a genuinely cool breeze for pennies.
  • Damp sheet over the window: a cold, damp sheet or towel hung over an open window cools the air as it passes through.
  • Damp flannels in the fridge: keep a couple on standby for quick cooling on the skin.
  • Know the running costs: a standard electric fan costs roughly Β£5–6 a week running nine hours a night; a portable air-con unit is closer to Β£15+ a week. If money's tight, the fan-and-ice combo gets you most of the benefit for a fraction of the cost.
  • Cool showers/baths before bed help lower body temperature going into the night β€” no equipment needed at all.

Resource Corner

One Small Way to Help.

Forward this letter to another parent, caregiver or teacher.

One share could help prevent a medical emergency.

Community Corner

How are you keeping your family cool this weekend?

Reply and tell us.

We'll share your tips in a future edition.

Quick recap checklist

☐ Water bottle topped up and offered regularly

☐ No strenuous activity or outdoor play, 11am–3pm

☐ Curtains/blinds shut on the sunny side by day

☐ Windows open for a through-breeze once it's cooler outside

☐ Light, loose clothing laid out

☐ Central heating off, unused appliances unplugged

☐ One "cool room" set up β€” windows covered, door shut

☐ Know the red-flag symptoms and have 111 saved in your phone

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Sources & further reading

Remember, heatwaves don't have to become health emergencies.

A few simple precautions can make a big difference.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and look out for one another this weekend. As always, if you have questions, don't hesitate to reach out to the Crescent Kids team.

Ciao Reader,

Rasheedat Ameen
For Crescent Kids

πŸŒ™ The Crescent Circle

A publication by Crescent Kids.

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The newsletter for a UK charity driving Digital Health Initiatives for kids and families impacted by Sickle Cell and Thalasseamia.

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