How to get the perfect UK summer holiday

Take 6 days of sunshine, 4 ice creams, 2 BBQ’s, 2 trips to the seaside and 2 to the zoo and what do you have? The perfect British summer holiday!

The schools holidays are here but with the credit crunch hitting wallets and swine flu putting a question mark over travel abroad, staying at home for the summer holidays is likely to be more popular than ever.

According to a poll of British holiday makers by summer bug buster Anthisan Bite & Sting Cream, the formula for the perfect British summer holiday is a week with six days of sunshine, during which we munch four ice creams, enjoy two BBQ’s, spend two days beside the sea and head off on two day trips to great British attractions like theme parks or zoos.

Hopes are high that August will provide a sunnier outlook than July, however with the British weather as unpredictable as ever, six days of sunshine might be a tall order. In true British spirit, make sure you make the most of the summer weather when it does come and keep your family protected from common summer health hazards that could spoil the fun.

Sun Safety

Have fun in the sun but don’t over do it. 36% of the population has had their holiday time ruined by sunburn. Regularly apply high factor sun protection and take breaks to seek shade and cover up. Help prevent sun stroke by drinking lots of water to keep cool and hydrated.

Dehydration Dangers

Diarrhoea and sickness caused by food poisoning, a common summer health problem often caused by undercooked meats on the BBQ or poor hygiene, can quickly lead to dehydration, where the body loses essential fluids and salts. Hot weather can also lead to dehydration, a condition that can be a particular problem for babies and young children. Oral dehydration drinks like Diorlayte work well to quickly treatment dehydration.

Insect Bites

Common biting insects in the UK includes midges, gnats and mosquitoes. Stinging nettles are also present throughout summer in moist areas near creeks, damps woods and sometimes in the garden. Anthisan Bite & Sting Cream is a topical antihistamine and contains an ingredient called mepyramine maleate which helps to reduce inflammation and irritation after being bitten or stung.

Hayfever

Hayfever can put a real dampener on summer fun causing sneezing, nasal congestion. Children under seven are not normally affected but older children and teenagers are more susceptible to allergies than adults. Wearing sunglasses when you are outside to stop pollens from entering the eye and wearing goggles when swimming to protect eyes from further irritation can help. If you are planning outdoor activities, check pollen forecasts to see when counts are highest and try to avoid these times.

For further tips and advice on common summer health problems, request a free copy of ‘Healthy Holiday, Happy Family Guide’ by writing to PO Box 4030, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1RZ or visiting nasacort.co.uk to download a copy.