Summer 2019Burn those calories but don't singe your skin

Warmer temperatures, longer days and the sight of the British countryside in full bloom ought to inspire us to get out of the house – and get fitter.

The good news is, losing weight and improving your health doesn’t have to be arduous or strenuous. Though be prepared to put a bit of sweat on your brow.

The NHS Choices website reports: “A brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise.

If you want to drop those pounds and get the heart pumping, the popular NHS Couch to 5K is a superb way; and I have noticed day-to-day how much it has benefited my own patients’ health.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned marathon runner, hydration and protection from the sun’s rays is massively important. Take on plenty of fluids and slap on that sunscreen whether exercising or enjoying a few moments in the sun.

There is a really useful NHS video on applying sunscreen to children, at:

www.nhs.uk/video/pages/how-to-apply-sunscreen.aspx

The British Association of Dermatologists says: “More than 100,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the UK, and while the disease can also occur on parts of the body not exposed to sunlight, extensive sun exposure is thought to be responsible for the vast majority of cases. In more than four out of five cases skin cancer is a preventable disease.” So that is how important proper protection is.

Last year’s temperatures also saw an unprecedented number of insect bites – with charity ANTRUK warning of a plague of vampire horseflies descending upon Britain. Bites and stings can be nasty things and so stocking-up on repellents and following NHS advice is essential.

Hay fever and rhinitis sufferers are possibly less enamoured of the summer than some of us are. This is the time to monitor the pollen count carefully. Antihistamines remain the most effective treatment when symptoms appear but avoiding pollen completely is the best defence – though don’t let it deprive you of going outside and increasing your vitamin D intake.

I wish you all a great summer with hopefully balmy temperatures, but make sure you are sensible in the sun and mix outdoor fun with sensible precautions.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Dr Chauhan is a respected GP, health and social care campaigner, and champion of social justice and charity. As a local GP, he has become a powerful advocate for his patients and introduced innovative methods to improve their care. His work mentoring and employing young people has won national recognition.