Think sun safety and ‘Choose Well’ during Armed Forces Day weekend

With the weather set fair for Falmouth’s Armed Forces Day celebrations this weekend, Cornwall’s public health team and NHS are urging visitors to ensure they protect themselves from the sun and choose services wisely.

The event will see a full day of celebrations, including a military parade, aerial displays including the Red Arrows and a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a military village exhibition and the chance to go onboard HMS Richmond,

The weather forecast is looking good for the weekend, with forecasters suggesting blue skies, warm temperatures and a gentle breeze.

Dr Ruth Goldstein, Cornwall Council’s Deputy Director of Public Health, said: “It is wonderful that the weather looks to be good for the celebrations this weekend, but we are reminding everyone to take care in the sunshine.

“This week sees the longest day of the year, so the sun is at its most powerful, and will burn you if you do not take adequate protection.  That means putting on sunscreen with factor 30 protection at least and keep reapplying it throughout the day.

“You should always wear a hat if you are in the sun, wear loose clothing and keep drinking water as well to stay hydrated.

“It promises to be a wonderful weekend, so please don’t spoil it by forgetting to protect yourself and your families”.

For more advice on staying safe in the summer weather, please visit Cornwall Council’s Stay Safe this Summer webpage.

Cllr Louis Gardner, who has spent much of the last year helping to make the arrangements for this weekend, said: “The weather forecast is looking perfect for the weekend, and we are expecting more than 100,000 visitors in Falmouth to enjoy this unique and spectacular event.

“If you are planning on coming, please make sure you do listen to the public health advice, and take every precaution needed to stay safe in the sun”.

Choose the right service at the right time

As well as staying safe in the sun, it is vital that residents and visitors who need health care over the weekend choose the right services, so they get the right care they need. Remember:

• If you are out and about, pack sun cream and a small first-aid kit stocked with things like paracetamol and aspirin, plasters, antiseptic cream
• Your local pharmacy can help with everything from allergies and bites and stings to emergency contraception. Find your nearest open pharmacy
• Visit a minor injury unit for conditions like broken bones and cuts that need stitches. Your nearest MIU might not always be the quickest, so know before you go and check live opening and waiting times
• If you think you need urgent care, visit NHS 111 online or call 111
• If an illness or injury is life-threatening, always call 999

For more advice on choosing services wisely, visit NHS Cornwall’s Help Us Help You webpage.