While many people enjoy warmer summer weather, hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
During very hot weather it’s important to:
keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
plan to complete any physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog) during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening
keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen when going outside
drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake
check in on older neighbours, relatives and friends who live alone to make sure they’re not having difficulties in the heat
Visit your local pharmacy for expert advice and treatment for a range of common health conditions.
Your pharmacist can also now provide some prescription medicine without you needing to see a GP. The new Pharmacy First service offers treatment for seven common conditions:
sinusitis
sore throat
acute earache
infected insect bite
impetigo
shingles
uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
Video: Find out how the Pharmacy First service can help you.
A pharmacist can also give advice and suggest the best treatments to help with hayfever symptoms.
If you’re going on holiday this summer, make sure you have enough of your prescribed medications. You can easily order repeat prescriptions via the NHS App, or by contacting your GP surgery.
If you are on holiday in the UK and forget to bring your medication, contact your home GP. They can send a prescription to any pharmacy you choose, for you to collect close to where you are staying.
Self-care is recommended when you have a common condition which doesn’t normally need medical care (from a doctor or nurse) or any treatment in order to get better.
Many common illnesses can be treated at home, such as minor coughs, colds or common childhood illnesses.
When spending time outdoors this summer, be tick aware. Ticks can carry dangerous diseases so it is important to check yourself, your children, pets, and clothes for ticks after spending time outside.
Tick bites aren’t usually painful but they may cause a red lump to develop where you were bitten.
One of the best things we can do for our mental health and wellbeing is to be active. The change of season means longer days and warmer weather, giving plenty of opportunity to get active outside.
If you are feeling stressed, anxious, low or can’t sleep, the NHS Every Mind Matters resources can help with expert advice, practical tips and personalised actions to help boost your mental wellbeing.
ChatHealth is a free and confidential text messaging service for 11-19 year olds.
The service connects students to healthcare professionals who can support with a range of issues from relationships to healthy eating and bullying. The service runs during the school holidays as well as term time.
