Stay Summer Safe

We may joke about the weather in Scotland, but the sun and heat are real risks that can affect anyone. With music festivals and local outdoor events coming up over the next few months, it is important that you stay safe and well hydrated.

Conditions related to heatwaves such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion can have serious consequences if not quickly treated. In addition, being exposed to the sun for too long can cause painful sunburn as well as more lasting damage to your skin which increases your chances of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.

High pollen levels can also cause people to suffer with hay fever, a common allergic condition that affects up to one in five people at some point in their life. The most effective way to control hay fever would be to avoid exposure to pollen. However, it's very difficult to avoid pollen, particularly during the summer months when you want to spend more time outdoors. Treatment options for hay fever include antihistamines, which can help to prevent an allergic reaction from occurring.

Dr Sohail Bhatti, Director of Public Health at NHS Borders said:“The summer is a great time to enjoy nature more and socialise at outdoor events such as local Common Riding Festivals. Although remember to keep yourself and your loved ones safe – especially little ones, older relatives or people with underlying health conditions who can be more vulnerable to health risks from hot temperatures. Protecting yourself and those you care about from the sun and keeping cool during hot periods can help save lives.

“We would also encourage Borderers to look out for those who may be at risk this summer and where possible ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support.”

There are some straightforward things you can do to stay safe, for example:

• Be prepared for the weather, whatever it might be by checking the weather forecast
• Limit your time in the sun, especially between 11am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are most intense.
• Remember even on days when it’s not overtly sunny, the sun’s rays can still be strong enough to cause harm.
• Protect your skin from the sun by wearing long, loose clothing, sunglasses and a sunhat
• Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF30+ sunscreen and reapply it every two hours
• Drink plenty of water and avoid excess alcohol
• Read up on NHS Inform’s useful summer health advice, this includes a hay fever self-help guide for people aged 5 years or more
• Babies and young children can become ill during very hot weather so follow advice from Children’s Health Scotland

 

For further tips on how to keep safe in hot weather visit:www.ready.scot/respond/severe-weather/hot-weather