Stay Well This Summer
Let us help you stay well this summer with our Ray of Health!
Introducing Ray, our summer mascot, who is here to offer advice and support to stay well in the hot weather, to eat well and to stay active and get to the right service at the right time.
Ray has provided links to top tips and a wealth of information and resources below.
Stay well in the hot weather
While many people enjoy warmer summer weather, hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Simple actions to stay safe in the hot weather
- keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
- if you are going to do physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening
- keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
- if you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen
- drink plenty of fluids
- check on children who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell
- know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
Stay well in the hot weather if you spend long periods of time outdoors
Being outdoors is clearly crucial for farmers, builders, gardeners, Post Office workers and others, and for people who take part in a lot of outdoor sport, but there are simple steps can be taken to lower the risk of skin cancer and be sun safe.
If you spend long periods of time outdoors, you need to use at least factor 30 sunscreen and apply it generously on all exposed skin.
Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer which can develop slowly over time. So while sunburn might feel better in a few days, it may have done long term damage which could be fatal.
Eat well in BBQ season
Planning a BBQ this summer?
Food poisoning can easily become an unwelcome guest.
Follow good food hygiene practices, such as washing your hands, cooking meat properly, and avoiding cross-contamination.
More info on food poisoning – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-poisoning/
Stay active
Small steps make a big impact. This summer commit to movement and build long-term healthy habits.
Anytime, anywhere – it can be a quick walk, stretching at your desk, or dancing in your kitchen—just try and fit easy and fun movement into your daily routine!
Find out more about #EveryMoveMatters here – https://bsw.icb.nhs.uk/every-move-matters/
Get to the right service at the right time
The NHS is always here to help you – but please use services wisely to make sure you can get the most appropriate support and help us to help you.
Pharmacy First – Pharmacists can provide expert advice, including treatment, for minor illnesses for children aged 1-17 years, without needing a GP appointment.
NHS 111 is available 24/7 online or by calling 111 for medical advice and guidance. Always call for a child below the age of 5. Remember it’s free and there are translation services available.
GP practices – Contact your GP for ongoing health concerns or worsening symptoms.
Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injury Units can treat minor injuries and urgent but non-life-threatening conditions.
Protect your mental health
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more.
Evidence suggests there are five steps you can take to improve your mental wellbeing and help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life:
- Connect with other people
- Be physically active
- Learn new skills
- Give to others
- Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
Find the local mental health services and support helplines here, including advice for children and young people – Local Mental Health Support
Did you know NHS 111 can provide urgent mental health support? To get mental health advice use NHS 111, select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional.
Make sure you are up to date with routine vaccinations
If your child has missed any of their routine vaccinations, don’t worry – it’s never too late to get back on track. Vaccines can be safely given at any time, and your child doesn’t need to start the schedule over. They can simply pick up from where they left off.
Staying up to date with vaccinations helps protect your child and those around them from serious illnesses. Please contact your GP practice to arrange a catch-up appointment.
Stay well in the outdoors
Ticks in England can carry infections, including Lyme disease and — very rarely — tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).
People are most likely to encounter ticks when doing activities in the countryside, particularly in woodlands and grasslands where wild animals (including deer) and livestock are also abundant. Other green spaces such as urban parks or gardens can also provide opportunities for contact between people and ticks.
While ticks are most active in the spring and summer months, they can be found all year round.
Find out how to be tick aware here – https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/03/21/what-is-lyme-disease-and-why-do-we-need-to-be-tick-aware/
Insect bites or stings are not usually serious and get better in a few days. But sometimes they can become infected or cause a serious allergic reaction. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insect-bites-and-stings/
Visiting a farm is one of the most enjoyable and educational experience outdoor activities for kids, but it carries a risk of infection from animals or the environment. Farm animals may carry germs that can be passed from animals to humans and cause illness, with symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, nausea and body aches. Find out how to have a fun and healthy farm visit here –https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/05/02/how-to-stay-safe-from-infections-carried-by-animals-when-visiting-a-farm/
Enjoying the sea and rivers is a great summer activity. Learn how you can keep you and your loved ones safe at the coast and in the water with advice from the RNLI’s water safety experts – Water Safety Advice And Tips – Know The Risks