Top Tips for Working Outdoors this Summer

It’s a busy time on the farms at the moment (when isn’t it busy I hear you ask!?).  Farmers across the country are delighted with this good weather but as with most things in life –  where there is good, there is bad.

Outdoor workers have a higher than average risk of skin cancer.  UV rays (which damage the skin) are strongest from 11am – 3pm April to September, even on cloudy days. A study taken by the Irish Cancer Society found that UV levels were high enough to cause skin damage almost 90% of the days between April to September.

I know you have probably heard about being “Sun Smart” a million times but I want to remind you how important it is, and how quick and easy it is to do.

• Cover up  – sun hat, sunglasses with UV protection, loose long-sleeved shirt (to avoid the traditional “T-shirt tan”!)
• Seek shade – especially between 11am – 3pm when UV rays are strong
• Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside and reapply regularly (every 2 hours and more often if sweating)

A top tip is to have a bottle of sunscreen beside the teabags in the kitchen! I did this with my Dad to “remind” him to use the sunscreen!   

 

Also it’s really important to keep yourself well hydrated in hot weather.  I’m not a big fan of lukewarm water but I am quite partial to warm dilute orange!! So fill up a big bottle of orange (or flavour of your choice – go mad and try the tropical one!) and bring that with you in your tractor (along with your sunscreen)

The Irish Cancer Society have a fantastic website with loads of information – make sure you check it out.

Keep well, keep safe and keep smiling!

For any ‘Farmer Care’ items that you need, our Pharmacy stock a wide range of products to help you look after you! Simply check out our Farmer Care tab here or alternatively call us on 023-8841115.

McLaughlin’s Pharmacy is adjoined to McLaughlins Farmcare here in Bandon, Co. Cork.