Publication
HEALTH PREPAREDNESS
From Department of Defence; Office of Emergency Planning
Published on
Last updated on
Ensure you obtain your free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before you go abroad. EHIC allows you get healthcare in another EU or European Economic Area (EEA) state for free, or at a reduced cost. It covers you if you are on holiday, or on a short-term stay which is less than three months. You need a card for each member of your family. It’s free and there’s no charge to apply. Once you apply the card takes about ten working days to arrive. You’ll find full details of how to apply on www.hse.ie
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, although most skin cancers are preventable by protecting skin from UV (ultraviolet) radiation. Skin cancer develops when cells are damaged and grow uncontrollably. Exposure to UV rays, from the sun or sunbeds, is the most common cause of skin cancer. UV radiation from the sun is measured using a UV index – this is highest in Ireland between April and September and peaks between 11am and 3pm even on cloudy days. You are at higher risk if you spend a lot of times outdoors, due to your work or leisure activities. It is particularly important to protect the vulnerable skin of babies and young children.
Some simple steps to reduce your risk
- Know the UV Index: When the UV index is 3 or above you need to protect your skin. In Ireland, this usually occurs from April to September, even when it is cloudy.
- Plan your day to limit time in the sun when UV is strongest, typically between the hours of 11am and 3pm.
- Keep your living space cool. This is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or those who can’t look after themselves.
- Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped.
- Close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun.
- Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment - they generate heat.
Extreme heat can cause exhaustion, heat stroke and aggravate pre-existing health conditions. The very young, the elderly, people with underlying medical conditions and the seriously ill are groups who are particularly at risk of health problems when temperatures increase.
Never leave children alone in hot vehicles. Stay inside during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm) and limit time outside in the sun
Keep Hydrated.
