NHS encourage people to be safe in the sun

The sun can be dangerous if the correct measures aren't taken

As temperatures warm up and people get ready for the year’s hottest weekend so far, NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale (HMR) is reminding everyone in the borough to enjoy the summer sun safely.

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

Protecting your skin

Skin cancer is very common in the UK and is a growing problem.

Too much UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds is the main cause of skin cancer.

“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,” says Wendy.


To ensure you protect yourself throughout the summer, follow advice from the Cancer Research UK SunSmart campaign:

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.
Then use factor 15+ sunscreen 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.

Food safety

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 – it may look like it is but it doesn’t necessarily mean it is, so ensure it’s piping hot throughout
• Keep meats and salads cold until it’s time to cook or eat them
• Cover up your food with cling film or foil

Looking after yourself and others in hot weather
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.

Wendy 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 (for example, if they have mobility problems).
• Seek medical advice if you have any concerns, from NHS Direct (0845 4647), your pharmacist or your doctor.

For more information and advice about staying safe in the summer sun visit www.nhs.uk.