Pharmacies currently offering Care in the Sun advice
Over 500 pharmacies across Northern Ireland are currently offering advice to patients and customers on how they can stay safe in the sun.
This is part of the new Living Well service which offers advice to pharmacy visitors on public health issues. It is a partnership between the Public Health Agency (PHA), the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and Community Pharmacy NI (CPNI).
There are two elements to Living Well. Firstly, opportunistic interventions to help reduce risk factors which cause illness in Northern Ireland. Issues covered will include high blood pressure, tobacco use, harmful misuse of alcohol, unhealthy diet, sexual health and substance misuse.
Secondly, there will be targeted campaigns within pharmacies over the coming year focusing on care in the sun, obesity prevention, Stay Well This Winter, antimicrobial resistance and mental health awareness.
Denise McCallion, Senior Health Improvement Officer at the PHA, said: “It is estimated that around one in ten of us visit community pharmacies every day. We want to increase patient and public knowledge and understanding of how to take care in the sun and delivering messages through pharmacies is a great way of reaching people. Pharmacists and pharmacy staff are encouraging customers to think about their ultraviolet exposure and highlight ways to enjoy the sun safely. They are also raising awareness of the health impacts of overexposure to UV radiation.”
Joe Brogan, Assistant Director of Integrated Care and Head of Pharmacy and Medicines Management at the HSCB, said: “It is recognised that community pharmacies are well placed to provide a focal point for the provision of health advice, information and services to help people live longer, healthier lives.
“Community pharmacies are often open when other healthcare providers are unavailable and they offer convenient access to a trained healthcare professional without an appointment. Studies show that people interact with community pharmacists at an average of 12 to 15 times a year, often using the same pharmacy each time.”
Community pharmacist Vincent Campbell from Campbell’s Pharmacy in Portrush said: “As soon as there is a glimmer of sunshine many people naturally want to go outside and make the most of the good weather. This is something community pharmacists across Northern Ireland can support people to do safely through the ‘Care in the Sun’ campaign. We can advise people on ways to help protect their skin including being aware of the ultraviolet (UV) index, knowing when to use the appropriate sun protection, how much to apply and how often.”
The Living Well service supports the Making Life Better public health strategy by enabling people to make healthier choices.
For more information and advice on how to take care in the sun and how to protect your skin visit www.careinthesun.org/uv
The Care in the Sun campaign is a partnership between PHA and Cancer Focus NI.