Stay safe in the summer sun

Fun in the sun at Hollingworth Lake

With the temperatures soaring and summer well underway, NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale (HMR) is reminding everyone to enjoy the warm sunshine safely.

Skin cancer can be caused by damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and is one of the most common cancers in the UK.

“Summer is the time of year when most of us want to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, but the warm weather can bring a range of health related problems,” explained Dr Sheila Will, Director of Public Health at NHS HMR.

Every year more than 75,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer and more than 2,300 people die from the condition. 

Dr Will continued: “Even when it’s not hot, the UV rays can still damage your skin, so it’s important to cover up and protect yourself to reduce your risk of getting skin cancer."

To ensure you protect yourself throughout the summer, the Cancer Research UK SunSmart campaign advises people to; spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm; make sure you never burn as it can double your risk of skin cancer; aim to cover up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses; remember to take extra care with children; use factor 15+ suncream generously before you go out in the sun and reapply often.

Also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV light and report mole changes or unusual skin growths to your doctor.

Barbecues are great fun in the sunshine, but not so enjoyable if you pick up food poisoning, remember to always wash your hands before touching food and after handling raw meat and poultry, defrost meat thoroughly, keep raw meat separate from cooked meat and vegetarian food, make sure meat is thoroughly cooked and piping hot throughout, keep meats and salads cold until it’s time to cook or eat them and cover up your food with cling film or foil.

Most of us enjoy sunny weather, but extreme heat can seriously damage your health. During a heatwave, when temperatures stay really high day after day, it can sometimes be fatal.

In a severe heatwave, you may get dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. A warning system is in place to issue alerts if a heatwave is likely. Dr Will advises: “Listen to your local weather forecast so you know if a heatwave is on the way and plan ahead.

"Avoid the heat, stay out of the sun, and plan ahead so you don’t go out between 11am and 3pm, the hottest part of the day.

"Avoid excessive physical activity, or do it in the cooler ends of the day.

"Keep rooms cool by using shade or reflective material external to the glass, or if not possible by closing pale-coloured curtains. Metal blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter.

"Keep the windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside. If safe, open windows at night when the air is cooler.

"Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.

"Drink water or fruit juice regularly (avoid alcohol, tea or coffee).

"Wear loose, cool clothing and a hat if you go outdoors.

"Help others. Check up on your neighbours, relatives and friends who may be less able to look after themselves.

"Seek medical advice if you have any concerns, from NHS Direct (0845 4647), your pharmacist or your doctor."