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With a sunny bank holiday weekend ahead, HSE experts are reminding people in Cork to be ‘Summer Ready’ so that they stay safe and well.

The advice from experts is three-fold:

1) Know your options if you need urgent medical treatment

2) Be #SunSmart and stay safe in the sun to avoid dehydration and serious sunburn

3) Know what you can do to keep yourself well in the heat

Professor John R. Higgins, Chief Executive Officer, South/South West Hospital Group said:

“Fine weather and a bank holiday weekend are very welcome, but it can bring additional pressures on all parts of our health service, including Emergency Departments (EDs). It is worth knowing that there are a range of local care options available that don’t necessarily need a trip to the ED.”

Options for health care over the bank holiday include:

•  Your local pharmacist: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/
• Your local GP (and everyone is reminded to check their routine prescriptions ahead of the bank holiday weekend
• South Doc, the GP out-of-hours service
• Minor Injury Units in Cork city, Bantry and Mallow. See https://www2.hse.ie/services/injury-units/
• Emergency departments are open 24/7. If someone is seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk, call 999 or 112.

Louise Creed, Pharmacist with Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, said that your local pharmacy can be a convenient option if you have a minor ailment.

“Local pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals and experts in over-the-counter and prescription medicines. They can also provide advice on most illnesses and discuss whether they think you need to see a GP or out-of-hours service. At this time of year, they offer a lot of advice on topical relief for sun burn, cuts and scrapes, insect bites, skin rashes, over-the-counter hay fever medications and remedies for dehydration. Many pharmacies across Cork will be open over the weekend and available to provide support.”

Louise Creed also reminded everyone to check their prescription and stock up their medicine cabinet before the weekend:

“Being prepared in advance by having a well-stocked medicine cabinet with painkillers, wound dressings and hydration treatments is also a good idea,” she added.”

Dr Nicola Murphy, specialist registrar in Public Health Medicine said that in the current warm weather, the advice is to stay hydrated and keep cool. She also urged people to check on those who may be vulnerable, including young children and the elderly.

“Sunscreen is an important sun protection measure but should be used alongside other measures such as covering up with clothing, hats and sunglasses and seeking shade where possible. Follow the five #SunSmart simple steps to learn how to protect yourself and your family this summer. See www.SunSmart.ie and check out #SunSmart on social media,” she said.

The five #SunSmart simple steps are:

• Slip on clothing that covers your skin e.g. long sleeves and collared T-shirts
• Slop on sunscreen on exposed areas using factor 50+ for children
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
• Seek shade – especially if outdoors between 11am and 3pm
• Slide on sunglasses to protect your eyes

Information on how to manage common illness and advice on when to get emergency help is also available at https://www2.hse.ie/living-well/ andhttps://www2.hse.ie/my-child/ in relation to children. The Be Summer Ready website (www.gov.ie/summerready) also offers practical, simple guidance on keeping safe over the Summer coming months.

Maeve Carmody, a HSE Self Management Support Co-ordinator for Chronic Conditions, had extra advice for anyone with a chronic health condition (eg diabetes or asthma).

“People living with chronic health conditions can be more vulnerable in hot weather and need to be extra careful. Hot weather means your body has to work harder to keep your temperature at normal levels. This can put extra strain on your heart, lungs and kidneys. So, it is particularly important to stay cool and hydrated,” she said.

“Exercise brings many benefits if you have a chronic condition, but in hot weather take care you do not overheat. Exercise whenever it feels coolest. Do activities like housework and gardening in the early morning or evening when it is cooler. Apply sunscreen, wear a hat and carry some water with you,” she added.