HEALTH TIPS
BEAT TH E H EAT Suffering from pollen sniffles? Overdone it in the sun? Don’t panic! We’ve got all the nifty tricks and tips you need for a happier, healthier, more carefree summer…
BE SUN SAVVY
Grabbing the sun cream before heading out is second nature (isn’t it?). But before you use last summer’s leftovers, make sure you’re still getting the most from that lotion… l SUN CREAM HAS A SHELF LIFE Research by the Australian Medical Association reveals that a third of us don’t realise sun cream becomes less effective over time. Most creams carry an expiration date, usually around three years after manufacture. As a general rule, once open, cream should last between 12 and 18 months when kept in a cool, dark place. l WHO KNEW? Some antidepressants, oral contraceptives, retinoids and over-the-counter painkillers can make you more likely to burn in the sun. Make sure you always read the packet instructions carefully so you can be prepared if you're going outside for any length of time. l MEASURE YOUR SUN CREAM How much sun cream is enough? For adults, the NHS recommends two teaspoons of at least SPF15 (or higher) to cover your head, neck and arms. Of course, if you're only wearing swimwear, then you’ll need more – two tablespoons’ worth. If you're going out in the sun for a long time, you'll need to apply it twice before you leave. Once 30 minutes prior to leaving and again just before you head out.
NO MORE BITES
A survey by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that threequarters of people didn’t seek advice about mosquitoes or even pack a repellent before travelling to a tropical location. If you’re a magnet for mozzies, it’s worth planning ahead… l DON’T SWEAT IT Mosquitoes are attracted to the smell of sweat as well as perfume, so shower regularly and use a fragrance-free deodorant like Mitchum Ultimate Gel Unscented, £4. We all know mozzies are repelled by the smell of lemon (citronella candle, anyone?) – but you could also try reducing your insect appeal by adding a few drops of lemon juice to your shower gel or shampoo before using as normal – it’s surprisingly effective! l GO NEUTRAL Because mosquitoes can detect heat patterns, they’re attracted to dark colours like black, blue and purple, which retain heat. So if you want to avoid being eaten alive, choose light-coloured clothing such as white, beige or light grey, which reflects heat. l KEEP CALM Been bitten? Hot showers can make itching worse, so bathe in cool water. If you haven’t got any antihistamine cream to hand, dab a little toothpaste or Vicks VapoRub on your bites – the menthol will temporarily cool and calm the skin.
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