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The summer is here and as most of us welcome the sunshine and warmer weather, it is also important to remember the various health problems summer can bring that might affect you or your family.

Heatwaves and hot weather

There are some easy ways to stay safe when the heat arrives:

• Look out for older people, young children, and babies, those with underlying health conditions.

• Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cool

• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, children, or animals.

• Apply sunscreen and wear a hat if you must go out in the heat.

• Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.

• Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.

• Wear light, loose cotton clothes.

Bugs and bites

• Most insect bites and stings are not serious and will get better within a few hours or days.

• Creams and antihistamines to help with itching can be bought from a pharmacy.

• If you are worried about a bite or sting, seek advice from your community pharmacist or call NHS 111

Keep Hydrated

• Everyone is at risk of dehydration in hot temperatures. It is important to keep hydrated. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids like water.

• For those reluctant to drink water, why not try homemade ice lollies or adding fruit to water.

• Fruits and salad are full of water and can help hydrate you.

• Sugary, alcoholic, and caffeinated drinks can make you dehydrated.

Sun safety

• The NHS advises a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB and at least four-star UVA protection.

• Keep out of the sun from 11am to 3pm.

• As a general guide, adults should aim to apply around two teaspoons of sunscreen if you’re just covering your head, arms, and neck or two tablespoons if you’re covering your entire body.

• If sunscreen is applied too thinly, the amount of protection it gives is reduced.

• Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun to allow it to dry.

• Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating.

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