East Ayrshire residents urged to stay healthy this summer

Jul 25 2008 by Colin Rutherford, Kilmarnock Standard

EAST Ayrshire residents are being urged to visit the NHS 24 website for tips and advice about staying safe and healthy this summer.

NHS 24’s interim chief executive, Dr George Crooks, said: “It’s all too tempting to overdo it in the sun when on holiday, only to find yourself with painful sunburn.

“The sun that shines on Ayrshire is the same sun that shines in the Mediterranean. You should protect your eyes and skin and follow the Cancer Research UK SunSmart campaign whether at home or abroad.”

By spending time in the shade between 11am and 3pm, covering up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses and using factor15 sunscreen or above, you can reduce the risk of skin cancer and enjoy the sun safely.

Hay fever can also be a major summer problem for the 20 per cent of the populations who suffer from it.

NHS 24 advises hay fever sufferers to stay indoors as much as possible and keep windows and doors shut when the pollen count is high and to shower and wash hair after being outdoors, especially in the countryside.

Hay fever victims should apply Vaseline around the edge of each nostril. Gel nasal sprays can also act as a barrier to trap pollens.

For further information about managing the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, visit www.nhs24.com The site includes a vast online health library, packed with information about common illnesses, treatments and health services, providing comprehensive up-to-date health information and self-care advice.