Sun safety
There are a number of ways that you can prevent sunburn
and stay safe while you are out in the sun. For example, you
should:
•wear clothing to protect your skin from UV rays, such as a
long-sleeve shirt, trousers and a wide-brimmed hat
•wear good-quality sunglasses to protect your eyes from
UVA and UVB rays
•keep babies and children out of direct sunlight
•use sunscreen that has a minimum sun protection factor
(SPF) of 15 (use a higher SPF for fair and sensitive skin), and
reapply it frequently
•Most people do not apply enough sunscreen to their
skin. For sunscreen to be effective, it is very important
that you apply a generous amount to your skin before
going out in the sun. Reapply it regularly (at least
every two to three hours) and after going in the
water.
•seek advice immediately from your GP if you notice
changes to any of your moles – for example, a change in
their size, colour or texture
The best way to prevent all types of skin cancer is to avoid
overexposure to the sun.
Avoid the sun when it is at its hottest
The sun is usually at its hottest around midday, but it can
also be very strong and have potentially damaging effect at
other times. Do not spend long periods in the sun during
the day and make sure you spend time in the shade.
You can obtain advice from a Pharmacist about which
sunscreen to buy.
Drs Tang and Amin Newsletter
Summer Edition
Welcome to the summer edition of our newsletter.
Not sure if we can say summer quite yet, it certainly
doesn’t feel like it with all the rain. But don’t let that
catch you out, please be prepared and ensure you
protect your skin from the sun especially children’s
skin which is more delicate. It may be dull or raining,
but the sun’s rays can still reach through cloud – so
don’t get caught out – use high protection sun cream,
ensure your children wear a sun hat and keep them
covered with cool cotton if possible.
The old ‘aussie’ saying ‘slip, slop, slap’ is a great
slogan to teach the kids too! Slip on a shirt, slop on
sunscreen and slap on a hat.
See back page for further advice
Angela Gardner, Practice Manager
LATEST NEWS
We now have available ‘on-line’ repeat
prescription requests and appointments –
register now by asking the receptionist.
www.drstangandamin.nhs.uk
Just for fun
‘This vital hero’ is an anagram of which NHS profession?
Hay Fever
Hay fever is a common allergic condition that affects up to one-infive people at some point in their life.
Symptoms of hay fever include: sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes
The symptoms of hay fever are caused when a person has an
allergic reaction to pollen.
Pollen is a fine powder released by plants as part of their
reproductive cycle. Pollen contains proteins that can cause the
nose, eyes, throat and sinuses (small air-filled cavities behind your
cheekbones and forehead) to become swollen, irritated and
inflamed.
You can have an allergy to:
• tree pollen, released during spring
• grass pollen, released during the end of spring and beginning of
summer
• weed pollen, released any time from early spring to late autumn
Treatment
There is currently no cure for hay fever but most people are able to
relieve symptoms with treatment.
The most effective way to control hay fever would be to avoid
exposure to pollen. However, it's very difficult to avoid pollen,
particularly during the summer months when you want to spend
more time outdoors.
Treatment options for hay fever can include antihistamines which
can help prevent an allergic reaction from happening and
corticosteroids (steroids) in the form of a nasal spray or drops,
which help reduce levels of inflammation and swelling.
Many cases of hay fever can be controlled using over-the-counter
medication available from your pharmacist. But if your symptoms
are more troublesome it’s worth speaking to the GP as you may
require prescription medication
Ref NHS Choices www.nhs.uk
Self-help tips
It is sometimes possible to prevent the symptoms of hay fever
by taking some basic precautions, such as:
•wearing wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your
eyes when you are outdoors
•change your clothes and take a shower after being outdoors to
remove the pollen on your body
•try to stay indoors when the pollen count is high (over 50).
The Pollen count is reported in radio and TV weather bulletins
Holiday Vaccinations
If you are planning on going abroad and think that you may
need vaccinations please make an appointment in plenty of
time to obtain advice from the nurse. Ideally 8 to 12 weeks
before travel as this will allow time to order and for you to
complete a course if necessary. Please note there may be a
charge for some vaccinations. Collect a form for completion
and return at least 48 hours before your appointment as this
will help the nurse advise you appropriately.
Don’t forget your medication - ensure that you give the
practice at least 48 hours to order your repeat prescription - if
you require your prescription earlier than the due date you
may need to see or discuss with the doctor first.
CONGRATULATIONS
We have someone famous in our midst – if you listen to Radio
Humberside you may have listened to Beryl and Betty and that they
have won a very prestigious award, which is the ‘Best
Entertainment show’ at the Sony Radio Academy Awards. Beryl has
been a patient of ours for many years and certainly brightens up the
day for our staff when ever she comes. We just hope that Beryl
won’t turn into too big a ‘diva’ and be demanding flowers and
chocolates in the waiting (Green) room for her next appointment as
these big stars that we read about so often do!!
Permission for article obtained from Beryl and David Reeve (Radio Humberside)