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Summer holidays

Protect your skin Summer is here at last. It brings thoughts of holidays, days away, sunbathing and lots of things we love to do in the warm weather. Whether you are spending your holiday at home or abroad it is very important to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Be kind to your skin and follow these guidelines.

  • Avoid the midday sun if you do have to go out cover up with loose clothing and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Use sunscreens on your skin for protection. Depending on your skin type depends on which factor to use. Start with a high factor and gradually work down to one which will suit your skin for the rest of the holiday.
  • Tan slowly: gradually increase the time you spend in the sun each day. Probably start with 15 minutes.
  • Young children should always be protected: either covered up or with high protection sunscreen. Babies should never be allowed to sit out when the sun is hot. Remember a parasol for the buggy above all.
  • Don't burn: it does not protect against future burning. Burnt skin does not tan more quickly, just more painfully.
  • Protect your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses.

Special care should be taken by people who are at a higher risk. These include:

  • People who have already had skin cancer
  • People with a history of severe sunburn, especially if this happened in childhood
  • People with a large number of freckles or moles
  • Babies and small children
Skin cancer facts

There are over 3500 new cases each year of malignant melanoma. This has risen 100% since 1974. It is more common in women than men - almost double. Over 1200 people die each year from skin cancer.

Remember:

You can burn

  • In the shade
  • When it's cloudy
  • When you're swimming
  • When you're working outside.

Seek good advice about sun protection products from your pharmacist before you go on holiday. They do not have to cost a fortune - shop around.


Plan for a healthy holiday To get the most out of your holiday it is best to plan ahead and take most of what you are likely to need with you. If you take medicines prescribed by the doctor make sure you have enough to last and that you take them with you! Worries about your health or teeth are best sorted out BEFORE you go on holiday.

Your pharmacist can help you decide which over-the-counter medicines to take and also what to put in a first aid kit. For the majority of people the most likely health problem on holiday is a stomach upset and either diarrhoea or constipation. If you are going outside Europe check if you need anti-malaria tablets and remember that you also need insect repellant to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.


Traveller's tummy Avoid traveller's tummy by

  • Checking the water is safe before drinking or cleaning your teeth. If unsure
    • use bottled water
    • boil water
    • use sterilising tablets
    • beware of ice-cubes
  • Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit
  • Avoid raw shellfish
  • Checking hot food is served piping hot; it should not be kept warm for long periods
  • Trying to eat freshly cooked foods
  • Checking the hygiene in shops and restaurants
  • Washing your hands before eating.

IF YOU DO BECOME ILL, DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS AND CONSULT A DOCTOR IF NECESSARY.


Vaccinations Holiday vaccinations are given to protect against infectious diseases which may be caught whilst abroad. For most of the common destinations very few, if any vaccinations are required. For holidays to Spain, France, North America, New Zealand, etc, there are no requirements other than being covered for tetanus and polio. If in doubt, your practice nurse will be able to give you the relevant information. If you are travelling to a more unusual destination, or staying longer than two to three weeks, it is advisable to make an appointment with your nurse as soon as possible because some vaccinations can take six months to complete the course. The following are diseases which can be vaccinated against.

  • HEPATITIS A: Hepatitis A is transmitted by the faecal-oral route. Person to person is the most common method of transmission although contaminated food or drink may sometimes be involved. Taking care with food and drink reduced the risk - avoid unbottled water. Salads and vegetables are fertilised with human faeces in some countries. Luke warm foods, or those insufficiently cooked, breed bacteria.
  • HEPATITIS B: Hepatitis B is transmitted through blood to blood contact, by sharing needles or other equipment used by intravenous drug misusers or by vaginal or oral intercourse. Simple precautions such as the use of condoms prevent the spread of Hepatitis B. If travelling to a country with poor health facilities it is worth taking a first aid kit with gloves, needles and syringes with you. Some countries do not sterilise equipment as we do.
  • MENINGOCOCCAL MENINGITIS: Meningococcal meningitis is transmitted by droplet spread or direct contact from carriers or from a rabid animal. It occurs in all continents except Australasia and Antarctica. In Europe foxes are the predominant host, but many other animals become infected, including dogs, cats, cattle and bats.
  • TYPHOID: Typhoid is spread by the faecal-oral route, usually through food or drink that has been contaminated with excreta of a human case or carrier. It is therefore predominantly a disease of countries with poor standards of personal and food hygiene.
  • YELLOW FEVER: Yellow fever is an acute infection spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and occurs in tropical Africa and South America.
  • MALARIA: Malaria is another disease spread by the bite of a mosquito. Tablets may be prescribed by your GP and usually have to be commenced at least a week before travelling. As well as taking anti-malaria treatment it is advised to cover up your arms and legs, especially in the evenings. Some of the main symptoms of malaria are flu-like symptoms - fever, chills with sweating and headaches. If these occur see a doctor. Also, once back in Britain if these symptoms begin, especially in the first three months, but even up to a year after return, see your GP, letting him know that you have visited a country where malaria is present.

For more detailed information on travel health and information make an appointment with your practice nurse.

[Logo] Brad Cheek 1998