How to keep safe in the sun

Enjoy the sunshine, but avoid the health risks it can bring to the unwary. That’s the message from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West as thousands plan to make the most of summer, at home and overseas.

Professor Qutub Syed, Director of HPA North West, said: “We’re keen to ensure that people have the information they need to enjoy sunshine safely whilst avoiding the risks of sunburn and heatstroke and potential long-term consequences of over-exposure, such as skin cancer.

“We’re particularly concerned for the welfare of frail older people and young children, particularly babies. But anyone who doesn’t take proper sun-safety measures will be at risk. We’re seeing increasing numbers of younger people with skin cancer.”

Around 7,000 new cases of malignant melanoma (skin cancer) are recorded each year in the UK and over 1,000 die from the disease. 

The Agency’s advice is: 

• First and foremost, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration in hot weather
• Apply sunscreen with a Factor of at least 15 and preferably higher
• Use sunscreen to protect babies and children and ensure that they have plenty of fluids when outside in the open air
• Make sure children do not become overheated when indoors and give them plenty of fluids
• Avoid sunbathing in the hottest times of the day, which are usually between 11.00am and 3.00pm
• If travelling by car, take supplies of drinking water for the journey and ensure that children do not become overheated
• Never leave children or pets in cars that are parked in the sun
• If it is necessary to be outside in the hottest times of the day, try to stay in the shade
• Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton
• Use sun glasses that offer 100 UV Protection for your eyes
• Eat more cold foods such as salads and fruit as they contain water