We spend a lot of time in Scotland talking about the weather. I often wonder what the small talk would involve if Barnton Pharmacy were located in Beiruit where the sun shines most of the time.
It is summer at last and it is lovely!
Whilst most of us are enjoying the weather, I thought it would be useful to share some tips as to how to stay healthy in the heat:
- The very young, the elderly and the seriously ill are the groups who are particularly at risk of health problems such as heat stroke and dehydration when the weather is very hot. Take time to check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
- Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it’s safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler.
- Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat.
- Don't forget the suncream and hat when you do go outside. Have a look at these top tips for applying sun cream.
- Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water. Follow the kids and enjoy a dip in the paddling pool or play with the hose in the garden!
- Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
There are about three days every year when we seriously consider the capital investment of air conditioning in the pharmacy and as soon as we get the figures and crunch the numbers, the seasons have moved on and the nights are drawing in again. In the mean time - ice lollies all round which, of course involves a trip to the lovely air conditioned supermarket a few doors along.
The Met Office have loads of helpful advice on their website and you can even check the pollen count and the UV index before you head outside to enjoy the summer - no matter how brief it may be.
