Day: July 5, 2015

T in the Park: have a happy and healthy time

tt

With less than a week to go until T in the Park kicks off, NHS 24 is urging festival goers to look after their health and make the most of the event.

Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare service is advising visitors to the three-day event at Strathallan Castle in Perthshire to plan ahead and take a few essential items for dealing with illness.

NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “Summer festivals are great places to meet people and enjoy music with friends but try and remember to pack a few small items with you in case you do become unwell.

“Take some over the counter medication with you for stomach upsets or diarrhoea and take a simple painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. It is also really important to have sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and antiseptic hand gel or wipes are always handy to have at outdoor events, as are things like a supply of pads or tampons  and if there is possibility  of having sex take some condoms to avoid the risk of sexually transmitted infection.”

He added; “Plan ahead remember to take all your prescription medicine with you to last till you get home, if you use inhalers always keep them handy  and think of things like hay fever medication if you are a sufferer.

“Don’t ruin your weekend by drinking far too much too quickly. Try alternating soft drinks or water for alcoholic ones on a regular basis over the day and don’t forget to eat regularly. You don’t want to miss out on seeing your favourite bands by feeling unwell with the effects of too much alcohol.

Professor Crooks advised: “If you do become ill, go with a friend to the nearest First Aid area. Remember there is safety in numbers. Never leave your drink unattended, never leave friends on their own and don’t wander off by yourself. Organise a meeting point if you get split up and stay with people you know.

“By taking simple steps, you can help minimise or even prevent minor health problems from ruining your weekend. Stay safe and have a happy and healthy time at T in the Park.”

For further summer health advice go to www.nhsinform.co.uk There is a Health in Focus section dedicated to staying safe in the summer months.

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Edinburgh firefighters warn: mind those barbecues

majority of incidents involve bins and/or disposable barbecues

bbq

Firefighters in the City of Edinburgh have reminded people to safely dispose of barbecues to help prevent needless fires.

The Meadows is a particularly popular spot for Edinburgh picnickers, and last year the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) attended 57 fires in and around the Meadows between May and August. The majority of these incidents involved bins and/or disposable barbecues.

One of the main causes of the fires was the careless disposal of BBQ’s into bins, some of which already contained combustible materials.

This type of incident ties up valuable SFRS resources as well as causing inconvenience for park staff and users.

Station Manager Jonathon Miller said: “Following the guidance provided will prevent resources from one of Scotland’s busiest stations being tied up at minor, easily prevented small fires on the Meadows.

“This can also delay our attendance at more serious, possibly life threatening, incidents and divert firefighters away from important community safety and training activities.

“We will be conducting routine joint visits with City of Edinburgh Council Park Rangers during the summer to offer advice on BBQ safety as well as offering free home fire safety visits to park users.”

The following simple tips should be followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable BBQ and lead to a reduction in fires:

  • Make sure your barbecue site is flat and away from fences, trees and sheds.
  • All BBQ’s should be raised from grass areas to avoid burning or scolding
  • Keep a bucket of water or large bottle of water nearby, in case of emergencies.
  • Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about five centimetres (two inches).
  • Never use petrol or paraffin to start, or revive your barbecue – use only barbecue firelighters or starter fuel on cold coals.
  • Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
  • Do not leave the barbecue unattended.
  • After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before trying to move it.
  • Hot ashes can melt a plastic wheelie bin and can cause a fire.
  • Avoid alcohol if you are in charge of a barbeque.
  • Use one of the two designated BBQ bins on the Meadows (Middle Meadows Walk/Bruntsfield links)