Summer health advice

Safe in the sun

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK and the number of people who develop it is increasing. The majority of cases are caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun or sunbeds. To protect yourself:

• do not use sunbeds
• check out the UV levels and the weather for the day  to assess the risk of sunburn
• use shade, clothing and a minimum of SPF15+ sunscreen applied regularly and generously to protect you
• wear sunglasses that have UV protection labels
• keep an eye out for changes to your moles and skin and report these to your doctor.

Skin cancer is much easier to treat if it is found early. Visit the Sunsmart website for advice on protection and detection.

Keeping cool

If someone feels unwell, get them somewhere cool to rest. Give them plenty of fluids to drink. If symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, weakness, dizziness or cramps get worse or don’t go away, seek medical help.

To avoid the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and the symptoms of dehydration:

• stay hydrated by drinking cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice
• avoid excess alcohol, tea and coffee
• wear loose clothing
• don’t leave people or animals unattended in a closed, parked vehicle or in direct sunlight especially young children
• take cool baths and showers and splash yourself with cool water;
• shift to the shade and draw curtains in the home.

Food safety

Barbecues are fun, but make sure the barbecue is in good condition, and don't use petrol to light. If children are around, watch that they don't get too close to hot surfaces.

• keep some foods chilled and out of the sun
• avoid cross contamination from raw meat
• when barbequing make sure meat is thoroughly cooked, piping hot, juices run clear and meat not still pink in the middle.

Allergies

The main triggers of hay fever are tree and grass pollen. The pollen count is always higher when it’s a nice, bright, sunny day.

• don’t sit outside between 4pm and 7pm or in the early morning, as the pollen count is highest at these times
• wear wrap around sunglasses to protect eyes from pollen
• keep house and car windows closed
• don't mow the grass or do other work in the garden and avoid large areas of grassland.

Out and about

For most walkers and beach-goers the experience is trouble-free, but it's best to be prepared for the potential risks you can encounter when out in the UK countryside:

• don’t forget to pack antibacterial wipes or hand gel for use outdoors
• have an agreed meeting point in case members of your group get separated
• charge your mobile phone and put an emergency contact telephone number in under ‘ICE’ = In Case of Emergency
• don’t leave children unattended near water
• check out all the hazards when you go on holiday or on trips. Accidents tend to happen on the first or last day of the holiday.

Choosing the right NHS service if you do become unwell

If you do become ill or injured during the summer, or at anytime, there are plenty of NHS services to help you feel better. Choosing the right one for your condition means you will get the most appropriate treatment.  Find out about your local NHS services and when to use them.