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Six top tips for the summer - staying healthy during the holidays

Wiltshire Council's public health team is sharing six top pieces of advice to help everyone enjoy the summer holidays and stay safe

Published 24 July 2024

Wiltshire Council's public health team is sharing six top pieces of advice to help everyone enjoy the summer holidays and stay safe.

Sun safety, swimming responsibly, food handling and being tick aware are some of the points highlighted in the six messages on how to enjoy the long sunny days without falling ill or needing a trip to the GP.

  • Enjoying the sun: To enjoy the sun safely people should stay hydrated, wear light clothing and a hat or high-factor suncream. Also where possible people should stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day from 11am - 3pm.
  • Looking out for others:  Some people are more vulnerable to heat. People are encouraged to look out for older people, young children, and those with long-term health conditions who might struggle to stay cool and hydrated. 
  • Swimming safely: While swimming and water activities can be refreshing, people are reminded to swim safely and be aware of risks including getting into difficulty while swimming and infections such as stomach bugs. People are advised to be cautious before entering open water and to try to stay within their depth.
  • Food safety:  People are reminded to enjoy a BBQ with family and friends safely by ensuring meat is not left outside the fridge for long periods and is thoroughly cooked to prevent food poisoning. Handwashing before preparing food and after handling raw meat can also avoid spreading bacteria.
  • Ticks: People can reduce the risk of tick bites by using repellents, wearing long sleeves and long trousers and staying on clearly defined paths. People should regularly check for ticks and brush off any crawling ticks they find immediately. If people spot an attached tick, they should use a tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers to take the tick out completely.
  • Vaccines: People are advised to make sure they're up to date with vaccines, particularly before going abroad and heading back to schools, colleges and other settings. People can check in with their doctor or their child's red book (the health record) if unsure.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Public Health said: "The warm weather and longer days are very welcome, and we all want to make the most of this time of year. We may already be aware of much of this advice, but it's helpful to be reminded how we can stay safe, have fun and have a summer to remember for the right reasons."

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