‘HOW TO STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER’

Aside from wearing SPF in the sun, it’s important to know how we can protect ourselves from other dangers during the warmer months. Dr C explains how to look after yourself and your family

We’re all thrilled the hot weather is finally here, but it brings with it some unwelcome seasonal hazards. Thankfully, with a bit of forward planning and the right items in your first aid kit, you can enjoy a well-deserved bit of sunshine.

LOOK OUT FOR TICKS

There’s been an increase in the number of ticks in the UK, and their bites can be nasty. That’s why if you’re heading to the UK countryside or the seaside on holiday, it’s a good idea to look up what the area is like, so you’re aware if ticks are likely to be a problem. They particularly like woodlands, heathland, moors, long grasses and bracken. Think about the wildlife where you’re going, too – if it’s full of deer, it’s likely to be rife with the tiny creatures, as they feed on them. To be on the safe side, pack a tick remover – they only cost around £3 from pharmacies and have clear instructions for how to use them safely.

You will know you’ve been bitten by a tick because they cling on to you as they suck your blood. That’s why you need to regularly check your legs when walking in the countryside, and if you see one, remove it very carefully. They are riddled with bacteria and if you don’t get it out properly, the chances of you getting an infection are higher. Lyme disease, caused by ticks, is usually relatively easy to treat but, when it’s missed, it can become very serious with ongoing symptoms, like tiredness, aches and loss of energy. If you develop a circular red rash around the tick bite a few weeks later, it’s Lyme disease, and you’ll need to tell your GP, who will prescribe a short course of antibiotics.

STOP INFECTION IN ITS TRACKS

When it comes to other bites and stings, from things like wasps, spiders and other countryside critters, most can be soothed with painkillers, a cool compress or an antihistamine if you have a reaction. There isn’t anything in the UK that you need to be excessively worried about – they’re mainly irritating, itchy or painful, and a normal first aid kit should be enough. If you have a strong allergic reaction, you’ll know – if you’re struggling to breathe, feeling dizzy, or there’s major swelling, call 999. Kids’ bites and stings often get infected because they scratch them repeatedly, potentially with dirty nails, This can cause a skin infection like impetigo, which can be miserable and can spread throughout the family. If your child gets bitten, stick plasters over the bites, or bandage them to keep them clean.

PREVENT ASTHMA FLARE-UPS

If you have asthma, summer can be a difficult season. Heat and humidity can affect your airways and trigger wheezing and shortness of breath. In soaring temperatures air can stagnate trapping pollution and pollen which can irritate breathing and cause attacks for some sufferers. Always take your preventer inhaler regularly to build up protection and carry your reliever inhaler everywhere. If you know pollution is a problem, tweak your routine, so do outdoor exercise early in the morning when pollution is at its lowest. And check pollen counts on your weather app before you go out. Having an asthma attack can be really frightening, so it’s worthwhile having those little checks in place.

PROTECT AGAINST SUN STROKE

Many people confuse sunburn and sunstroke. Sunburn is caused by being out in the skin without sun cream on, while sun stroke is caused by excessive heat, particularly on your head, and it can make you feel awful, causing a headache, dizziness, nausea, pale and clammy skin, cramps, shallow breathing and a high temperature. To avoid it, wear light, loose clothing, seek shade in the hottest part of the day,

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drink lots of water and avoid consuming excessive alcohol. Young children and elderly people are at the greatest risk, so keep your gran and your little ones safe, too. You can also get sunburnt even if it doesn’t seem that sunny, so apply SPF50 before going out, and reapply every two hours. You need two teaspoons for your face, arms and neck, or two tablespoons for your whole body.

DRINK PLENTY

Dehydration can make you very unwell, and while many people are understandably excited to get down to the pub garden with their mates for a glass of wine, it’s important to drink enough water. You become dehydrated when your body loses more fluids than you take in, which is surprisingly easy on a hot day. The best way to avoid it is to keep an eye on the colour of your wee; it should be running clear – if it’s a dark colour or strong smelling, you haven’t drunk enough. Again, it’s a particular worry for elderly people, who have a decreased sensation of thirst, plus the function of the kidneys deteriorates with age too, meaning more water may be lost with urinating. You may worry tea is the wrong thing to give them, but it does help. Also pop a jug of water beside them so that they are reminded to keep sipping, and offer them watery foods, like melon or soup.

DON’T FORGET YOUR PETS

Finally, remember that your pets can also get bitten by ticks, and overheat, so always check cats and rabbits especially if they’ve been out in the garden. It’s especially important to check your dogs after countryside walks, and make sure you give animals lots of water to drink. Avoid taking dogs out during the hottest parts of the day and instead aim for walks in cooler mornings and evenings.

● Turn to page 35 for more tips on caring for your pets in the summer