英语听力精选进阶版 6229（在线收听）

Heatwave or Glorious Sunshine? 热浪还是灿烂阳光？

However, there is some bad news too. Health agencies confirmed there has been a significant rise in the number of fatalities in the UK since the start of the latest hot spell two weeks ago.

A warning was issued by the Health Protection Agency ahead of the latest heatwave, alerting people to the potential health risks.

Clearly, the elderly, and people with certain medical conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, are the most vulnerable.

Persistent hot weather can also cause rashes, fluid retention, dizziness and even fainting.

Heatstroke is the most dangerous condition, where the body can no longer control its temperature and people become confused, disorientated, have fits and fall unconscious.

So what can you do to limit the risks?

Top tips for keeping cool include wearing loose cotton clothes and spraying or splashing your face and the back of your neck with cold water several times a day.

Drink plenty of water so you don’t get dehydrated.

It's also a good idea to keep your windows shut if your room is cooler than it is outside.

According to a Department of Health report, climate change means that heatwaves are likely to become more frequent in England.

The worst British heatwave in recent years happened in August 2003 when record-breaking temperatures led to 2,000 excess deaths.

Glossary 词汇表

showed up 露面 

held up 脱不开身 

work commitments 工作承诺 

supporting cast 配角 

hotly-anticipated 急切等待的 

saga 系列故事、传奇 

vampire 吸血鬼 

instalment （系列中的）一辑 

love triangle 三角恋 

emerges 出现 

werewolf 狼人 

split us up 将我们分开

unfortunately 不幸地 

especially 特别是 

at the end of the day 说到底 

dedicated 专注的/忠实的 

nicknamed 绰号为 

pun 押韵 

diehards 顽固分子/铁杆支持者 

snub 怠慢