Summer is just around the corner!

A message from our nursing team:

Going on holiday? – Do you need travel vaccinations?

Many long haul destinations and some closer to home for example Turkey and Egypt recommend or require travel vaccinations for protection against diseases such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid. If you are going away and think you may need vaccinations and travel advice please book into one of our nurse led travel clinics. Please try to book at least 4 weeks before your travel date.

Further travel advice can be found at

https://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/TravelHealth/Pages/Travelhealthhome.aspx

Skin cancer and being sun safe

Did you know that skin cancer is one of the most commonest cancers in the UK.

Rates of skin cancer have gone up by more than 4 times since the 1970’s.

What can you do to prevent it?

Be sun safe – Excessive sun exposure is a health hazard. Babies, children and those with fair skin are most vulnerable.

Keep babies under 9 months our of direct sunlight

Children should wear long sleeves, hats and a high sun factor cream

Avoid midday sun particularly while on holiday the greatest risk is at this time

Adults should wear a broad rimmed hat, long sleeves and sunglasses

Use sun cream — at least sun protection factor (SPF) 15.

Spot the signs of cancer early – Keep an eye on your skin and report any changes in the size, shape, or colour of a mole or other patch of skin to your GP without delay. Get more information at http://www.sunsmart.org.uk/

Avoid those summer bugs

Diarrhoea and vomiting bugs such as E coli and rotavirus become more common in summer particularly as people start to use their barbecues.

The main way to prevent these infections is through good hygiene –

Wash your hands regularly with soap. Alcohol hands gels don’t kill some diarrhoea bugs.

Avoid touching your face with your hands unless they are clean

Clean hard surfaces regularly with disinfectant.

Make sure food is thoroughly cooked. See http://www.hpa.org.uk/ for more advice.

Treating diarrhoea and vomiting – Most cases are self limiting - drink plenty of fluids and eat when able, the virus will resolve on its own.

Most people will not need to see a GP about their symptoms, however babies and children are more at risk of dehydration. Please contact the surgery or NHS 111 if you require advice.

The Team