Sun Health

Follow these handy tips to make sure you stay safe in the sun this summer:-

Sunscreen

• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 for mild protection, 30 for moderate protection and 50 for high protection. visit NHS Inform for more information on preventing sunburn.
• To make sure you never burn – keep a handy-sized bottle of sunscreen with you so that you’ll always have some to hand.
• Don’t get caught out at home – the sun can be strong in the UK as well as abroad, so it’s not just when you’re on holiday that you need to think about protecting your skin in the sun.

Children and Babies

• Protect your children from the sun – young skin is delicate and very easily damaged by the sun. Use at least a factor 30 sunscreen and choose a broad-spectrum brand that has a four- or five- star rating.
• Babies younger than 6 months should be keep out of the sun.
• Don’t cover prams and buggies with blankets, cloths or any cover – this prevents air circulating, and can cause overheating. Attach a clip-on sunshade or parasol to prams or buggies instead.
• Check how hot babies are by feeling their chest or the back of their neck.

Drink water to stay hydrated

• Drink plenty – at least six to eight glasses glasses a day. Choose water and fruit juices rather than drinks with caffeine in them. Remember, alcoholic drinks can make dehydration worse.
• Dehydration in older people can contribute to a number of health issues including tiredness, headaches, feeling lightheaded and confusion. Drinking between six and eight glasses of tap water a day helps keep dehydration at bay as well as supporting mental and physical health and wellbeing.
• Visit Age Scotland for more information on how those of us who are older can stay safe in hot weather.

Spend time in the shade

• If your shadow is shorter than you are, then the sun is strong. The sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm. It is best to spend time in the shade during these times.

Clothing

• Wear a hat, t-shirt and sunglasses when the sun’s strong. A wide-brimmed hat, light long-sleeved top and trousers or maxi dress will help to protect your skin.
• When choosing sunglasses, make sure they have the CE Mark and British Standard, have a UV 400 label and offer 100% UV protection.

Know your skin

• If you have lots of moles or freckles, you have a higher risk of developing skin cancer, so you need to take extra care.
• Keep an eye out for changes to your skin and tell your doctor of any changes.