Wear a hat and don't forget the sun lotion say GPs as heatwave continues - The Redditch Standard

Wear a hat and don't forget the sun lotion say GPs as heatwave continues

Redditch Editorial 23rd Jul, 2018   0

WITH the Met Office issuing an amber heatwave alert for the rest of the week, local doctors are reminding people to take care when out in the sun, to protect against sunburn and other heat related health issues.

There are a number of precautions people can take to help protect themselves against over-exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays: Use sun cream – apply before sun exposure and then reapply again every two hours.

Wear suitable clothing – a hat, a long sleeved top or trousers and sunglasses.

Reduce exposure during certain times of the day – stay out of direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm, as this is when the sun is at its strongest.




It’s also important to stay hydrated. It’s recommended that adults drink about two litres of fluid each day; this is in addition to the fluid you get through your food. You may need to drink more in warmer weather.

Remember to look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions, as they are at greater risk of further complications as the weather gets hotter.


Dr Carl Ellson said: “Getting the right amount of sunshine has a number of benefits including providing us with much needed vitamin D; it can benefit people with certain skin conditions such as eczema and can also help people to feel much better within themselves.

“Although getting out and about in the sun has many benefits, there are also some dangers, including the risk of sunburn if exposed to too much sunlight without taking suitable precautions. Even if it’s cloudy or overcast you can still burn, so make sure you’re prepared whatever the weather.”

If you feel unwell or have any concerns about your sunburn, particularly if you are burnt over a large area, have blistering or swelling of the skin, chills, dizziness, sickness or a high temperature, you can call NHS 111 – available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The amber alert encourages people to take action during heatwave conditions. More information can be found at here

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