Summer Health

Are you ready for summer?

The summer months are finally upon us and most of us welcome the sunshine and warmer weather, however it is also important to remember the various health problems summer can bring that might affect you or your family.

Here is some useful information, hints, and tips as we head into the summer holidays.

Heatwaves and very hot weather

There are some easy ways to stay safe when the heat arrives:

Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions.
Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
Drink plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you dehydrated.
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat if you must go out in the heat, and try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
Take care and follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down.
Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes.
Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling.

Hay fever

Hay fever can be miserable for so many people as the different blossoms and allergies run through the whole summer.

You can do things to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high including:

putting Petroleum Jelly around your nostrils to trap pollen
wearing wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
showering and change your clothes after you’ve been outside to wash pollen off
staying indoors whenever possible
keeping windows and doors shut as much as possible
vacuuming regularly and dust with a damp cloth

Hay fever is not a long-term medical condition and treatment is only required for a few months each year so it can be managed without medical input. There are lots of different medications available, most of which are available to buy from your local pharmacy.

Keep hydrated

Everyone is at risk of dehydration in hot temperatures which is why it’s always important to keep hydrated, but during hot weather it’s even more important to drink plenty of fluids like water – especially for the elderly or if you have a health condition such as diabetes.

For those reluctant to drink water, why not try homemade ice lollies made with watered-down fruit juice or squash, or adding fruits such as lemons and limes to your bottled water?

Although you may not feel particularly hungry in the heat, don’t stop eating. Perhaps try to have smaller, more frequent light meals and incorporate lots of fruits and salad which are full of water and will help hydrate you.

Sun safety

We all know sunscreen is important but using the right one can be a little confusing. The NHS’s general advice is a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB and at least four-star UVA protection. Of course, the best protection from the sun is staying out of it at the hottest parts of the day, from 11am to 3pm.

Most people also don’t apply enough sunscreen. Due to the huge range of different products available including lotions, mousses, sprays and gels it is always best to check the individual product for advice on how to apply.

As a general guide, adults should aim to apply around two teaspoons of sunscreen if you’re just covering your head, arms and neck or two tablespoons if you’re covering your entire body while wearing a swimming costume.

If sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it gives is reduced. Areas such as the back and sides of the neck, temples and ears are commonly missed, so you need to apply it generously and be careful not to miss patches.

Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun to allow it to dry. More is better and don’t forget to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating, or if it has rubbed off for example by towel drying.

Barbecues

Bugs and bites

Like sunburn and sand between your toes, insects and bites are a pretty unpleasant part of summer. Most insect bites and stings are not serious and will get better within a few hours or days. There’s lots of help available from the NHS website and you can also buy creams for itching and antihistamines from your pharmacy to have at home in case you need them.

If you are worried about a bite or sting then seek advice from your community pharmacist, GP or call NHS111.

Self-care

Self-care means making sure you are stocked up with over-the-counter medicines and a first aid kit so that you are able to treat common illnesses and injuries yourself. It's a good idea to pack basic supplies if you are going away and ensure you stay up to date with any prescribed medication so you don't run out.

Get stocked up with these summer essentials, most of which can be purchased at your local pharmacy:

Hat, antihistamine, painkillers, aftersun, plasters, bite relief

More information about how to treat common illnesses at home is available on the NHS website.

Your Wellbeing

The summer holidays can be a stressful time so it's important to look after your mental health and wellbeing. For local support and resources, visit our mental health page.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis and need urgent mental health support contact 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk

Are you ready for summer?

Self-care

Your Wellbeing