Boots Superintendent Pharmacist’s top tips to stay well as warmer temperatures and high pollen count predicted
With higher temperatures and a high pollen count predicted by the MET Office in many parts of the UK this weekend, Boots Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson shares her top tips on how to prepare for the warmer weather.
Make sure you have sun protection
“Applying sunscreen is recommended all year round, but when it’s warmer outside you need to ensure you’re using a product with SPF30+ for adults or SPF50 for children and a high UVA protection. Sunscreen should be applied before going outside and allowed to dry, and then reapplied regularly throughout the day. UV rays can have damaging short-term and long-term effects so keep your sunscreen in your bag for hassle free top ups.
“Use plenty of sunscreen on children to cover any exposed skin and try to keep children in the shade in the middle of the day, especially between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest. Also, if you haven’t used the sunscreen you already have for a while, make sure you check when it was first opened to determine if it’s still OK to use.”
Hydration is key
“Staying hydrated is vital on a warm day to help ensure you do not overheat and become dehydrated. Aim to drink a glass of water soon after waking and continue to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Carry a reusable bottle with you and avoid excess alcohol as this will dehydrate you.”
Keep an eye out for UV rays
“Don’t forget to protect your eyes from sun damage by wearing good quality wraparound sunglasses when in direct sunlight, as UV light can cause long-term damage to your eyes. It is important that children wear sunglasses too when outside in the sun as children’s eyes are particularly prone to sun damage because they have larger pupils and clearer lenses, which allow more UV to get in.”
If you suffer from hay fever, consider finding a hay fever relief product that work for you
“Warmer weather usually sees a spike in pollen count, and when the pollen count is high, it’s likely hay fever symptoms will worsen. It can be helpful to keep an eye on the Met Office website to monitor the pollen count so you can be aware of whether you’re likely to experience hay fever symptoms.
“There are things you can do to help ease the symptoms such as put petroleum jelly in your nostrils to help trap pollen, stay indoors when possible and shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off. There are also hay fever products to help treat symptoms if needed. There is a huge a range available at Boots – from tablets to nasal sprays – you can always speak to your pharmacist to find which product is suitable for you.”
