With summer holidays starting for most of us, whether people are staying in the UK or travelling abroad, the local NHS is reminding Leeds residents to look after their own health as well as their families this summer.
With most of us enjoying the warm weather, NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) wants local people to take extra precaution these summer holidays, so they’re not ruined by sunstroke, hay fever, cuts and bruises or insect bites.
Phil Corrigan, Chief Executive of NHS Leeds CCG, said; “It’s important for people to know how summer can affect your health. Taking some simple steps like keeping hydrated, protecting your eyes and skin in the sun, getting travel vaccinations and preventing hay fever can help stop health issues ruining your summer. If you’re unsure about anything and would like further advice about summer health and how to stay well, visit your local pharmacy and they will be able to advise you.
“Having a first aid kit at home can also be very handy for any cuts and bruises, as they usually include bandages, plasters and antiseptic wipes.
“If you’re travelling abroad it’s important that you have the right travel insurance. Your policy will need to cover your destination and the duration of your stay, as well as any specific activities you may undertake. When travelling in Europe you must have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).”
Tips for coping in hot weather:
- Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm as this is the hottest part of the day
- Hay fever: speak to a pharmacist about any allergies
- Sunglasses: use sunglasses to protect your eyes
- Vaccinations: If you’re planning to travel outside the UK, you may need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world. Speak to your GP or pharmacist about vaccinations you might need
- Insect repellent: protect yourself against insect bites
- Cool baths or showers: Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water
- Food and medication: Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food and any medications you need.
If you have any concerns about your family’s health over the summer you can go to the NHS choices website, call NHS 111 if it’s not an emergency or speak to a local pharmacist who will also be able to advise you.
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Notes to editors
European Health Insurance Card
For further information about European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), please visit the NHS Choices website https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/travel-health/how-do-i-get-an-ehic-european-health-insurance-card/
Travel vaccinations
Please visit the NHS Choices website has all the information you need to know about travel vaccinations https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/
Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather
Information on how to cope in the hot weather, please visit NHS Choices website https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/
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Issued by the communications team at NHS Leeds CCG. You can contact the team on 0113 84 35528 or 0113 84 35470. Alternatively please email us: leedsccg.comms@nhs.net