Stay well this summer 

NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is encouraging people to stay well this summer and to choose the right services if they do get ill.

There are a number of health conditions or ailments that are more prevalent in the summer such as; hay fever, sun burn, heat stroke and exhaustion and insects bites. The good news is most of these conditions can be prevented and treated by following some self-care tips or visiting your local pharmacy.

Dr Tim Moorhead, GP and Chair at NHS Sheffield CCG, said: “It’s always a good idea to keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home but this is particularly true over the summer when the kids are off of school and more likely to get scrapes and bumps while playing outside.

“It also means you can help treat a number of minor illnesses or summer complaints at home, instead of having to visit a health professional. Your medicine cabinet should include things such as pain killers, plasters, allergy relief, antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, sun cream and after sun, indigestion treatment and anti-diarrhoea tablets.

“If you’re not sure how to treat yourself at home, your local pharmacist should be your first port of call. Pharmacist are very knowledgeable and can offer advice and treatments for a range of minor illness and ailments, they can also tell you if you or your family need to visit a doctor.”

The CCG has information available on its website to help you look after your health this summer and choose the right service if you do get ill. Visit www.sheffieldccg.nhs.uk/Your-Health/staying-well-this-summer.htm for more information.

The change in the weather during the summer months can also impact long term conditions including; asthma, heart disease, COPD, chronic renal disease, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. All these illnesses can worsen if you become too hot. If you have a long term conditions remember to take any medications as directed by your doctor and if you are worried the heat is affecting your condition, speak to your nurse or doctor or call 111. Further information about long term conditions can be found online at https://www.nhs.uk/.