Doctors warn elderly and young to stay safe in sun

An annual report by the director of public health has been released, highlighting several areas, including smoking, obesity and sexual health, where the district does not compare well nationally. The report by Dr Andrew Furber is being released with the screening of short films by young people from the district.
Dr Furber.
w0473b950 — An annual report by the director of public health has been released, highlighting several areas, including smoking, obesity and sexual health, where the district does not compare well nationally. The report by Dr Andrew Furber is being released with the screening of short films by young people from the district. Dr Furber. w0473b950

Dr Andrew Furber, Wakefield’s director of public health, has urged people to stay out of the midday sun, wear plenty of sun cream and drink plenty of water.

He said: “Enjoy the hot weather but remember that it can cause problems, particularly for older people and the very young.

“Keep out of the sun during the hottest part of the day 11am-3pm and keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day. Drawing the curtains will help keep the heat of the sun out. A little bit of sunshine does you good, but don’t overdo it.”

GP Dr Phil Earnshaw, chairman of Wakefield Clinical Commissioning Group, urged people with existing medical conditions to take extra care.

He said: “It is particularly important that those who are most vulnerable take precautions to avoid harm through heat exhaustion. If you have breathing problems such as asthma or COPD remember to take your preventer and keep your reliever inhalers with you.”