Summer wellbeing
Sun safety
Most of us enjoy spending time in the sun but this can sometimes mean that we stay out too long and don't protect ourselves enough from the sun's rays.
It's easy to not realise you're getting burnt until it's too late.
Most of the time sunburn is mild and doesn't last long but it's important to avoid because it can increase the chances of developing skin cancer in later life.
Too much time in the sun can also cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion is caused by a loss of body fluids after being exposed to heat for too long. It causes blood pressure and blood volume to fall and makes you feel extremely tired.
Heatstroke is a more serious condition than heat exhaustion and happens when your body temperature is too high. You start to overheat because your body can't cool itself down.
To protect yourself from the sun's rays and stay cool in warm weather follow these top tips:
- Stay out of direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm (hottest part of the day).
- Always use a sunscreen with a high protection factor (and re-apply regularly).
- Have cool baths or showers or splash yourself with cool water. Putting your wrists under cool running water can help.
- Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice.
- Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol - they can make you more dehydrated.
- Wear loose, cool clothing and a hat when you're outside.
- Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses when you're outside.
There is lots more advice at Beat the Heat: Staying Safe in Hot Weather. The Met Office's Weather Ready campaign gives lots of helpful information on sun saftey.
The NHS also has lots of guidance on sun safety for all the family.