Stay safe this summer

Now that summer is here, most people want to get out and enjoy the sunshine. But not everyone recognises the risks.

As people spend more time out in the sun, the chance of getting skin cancer is greatly increased.

Dr Sheila Will, Director of Health from Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust, explains: “It’s very easy to be out in the sun and burn without even realising, but worryingly sunburn doubles your risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is very common in the UK and more people are getting it each year.”

And also every year, many people are getting food poisoning from eating outdoors at picnics and barbecues.

“It’s extremely important that food is prepared correctly and that people don’t forget to wash their hands before touching food and after handling raw meat and poultry,” says Dr Will.

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust wants to ensure everyone in the borough enjoys the sunshine this year and has provided a few top tips to stay safe while having a great summer.

Staying safe in the sun 

• Make sure you don’t burn as this can double your risk of skin cancer
• Seek the shade between 11am and 3pm
• Cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses
• Take extra care with children
• Use factor 15+ sunscreen generously before you go out in the sun and reapply often and reapply often
• Report mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor

Food safety

Make sure you don’t serve up more than you bargain for when having a summer barbecue!

• 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

Dr Will adds: “We want everyone across the borough to have a really enjoyable summer and would encourage everyone to follow this sound advice.”