Keep Healthy This Summer

Whatever the weather, a few simple precautions will help you stay safe and deal with any summer health problems

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Just 15 minutes a day of sunshine on bare arms and face can boost our mood and vitamin D levels, but longer exposure can burn our skin, or encourage wrinkles, age spots, skin cancer and sight loss. Wrap-around sunglasses (look for the CE mark) protect against cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, as well as pollen, if you’re a hay fever sufferer.

Choose sunscreen with five-star protection against UVA (ultraviolet A) and a high SPF (sun protection factor) up to 50 for UVB. Apply it generously before going out, and top up regularly and after swimming. Add a broad brimmed hat and loose cover-up clothing in natural fibres, but stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun’s hottest. If you do get sunburnt, or develop prickly heat (a raised red itchy rash caused by trapped sweat), apply cooling lotions or cream from the pharmacy, drink fluids and take a painkiller. Seek medical advice if there are blisters or you feel shivery or unwell.