Stay Well This Summer Holidays
School’s out for summer!
Over the summer holidays we’re encouraging parents to take simple steps to help keep their children healthy and if they do become poorly, to get the right care without unnecessary trips to A&E. Many common childhood illnesses can be effectively and more quickly managed at home or through local NHS services such as community pharmacies.
Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing support
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 child and adolescent mental health services, support helplines and advice about exam results here –
Did you know NHS 111 can provide urgent mental health support for children and young people? To get mental health advice use NHS 111, select the mental health option and speak to a trained mental health professional.
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
Looking after babies and young children in hot weather
Babies and young children can become ill during very hot weather. Their health can be seriously affected by:
Use your community pharmacy
Visit your local pharmacy for clinical advice on minor health concerns.
There are lots of conditions that are either self-limiting or suitable for self-care that a pharmacist can help with.
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.
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.