The NHS has today (9 July) launched its annual Happy Healthy Holidays campaign urging residents and holidaymakers alike to look after their health so they can enjoy a happy health holiday this summer.

The campaign is supported by Public Health at Norfolk County Council and Visit Norfolk who are keen for visitors to stay healthy while on day trips and holidays and comes a week before the school summer holidays begin.

Pete Waters, Visit East of England and Visit Norfolk’s Executive Director, said: “This area is one of the most visited counties in the UK because it has so much to offer people of all ages, from multi-generational families to young adults and empty nesters: there’s traditional seaside Great Yarmouth, Waveney Valley and the Broads National Park, the rugged coastline of north Norfolk, City of Stories Norwich, and not to forget brilliant visitor attractions and magnificent stately homes and their gardens.”

Hay fever, insect bites and stings, sun burn, sun stroke and dehydration are all commonly picked up while out and about, but these can be easily prevented or treated without the need to use NHS services.

Tricia D’Orsi, Executive Director of Nursing at NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “We all know that the British weather can be pretty unpredictable. Sun cream, after sun, antihistamines and bite relief cream can be picked up relatively cheaply at your local supermarket, or advice is available from local pharmacies, and are handy to have at home or when out and about for whatever you may encounter.

“No one wants to be out of action for longer than they need to be so keeping your health in mind and having some simple remedies at home will allow you to get back to enjoying everything Norfolk and Waveney has to offer.

With over 50 million people expected to visit Norfolk alone over the summer, its important people who might be unfamiliar with local NHS services, know where to turn if they do need urgent help. This will allow health staff to manage demand, so services are there for people who need them most.

Local support and guidance include:

• Older and vulnerable people can suffer more when it’s hot. Please check in on relatives and neighbours and read guidance around how to cope in hot weather.
• Think NHS 111 first if you think you need urgent health help.
• Visit a local community pharmacy for advice from a qualified healthcare professional for minor illnesses.
• Attend the Walk-in Centre in Norwich or Minor Injuries Unit at Cromer Hospital which are both open every day, including bank holidays.
• Contact your own GP practice, even if you’re holidaying elsewhere. The practice may be able to offer advice, dispense medications to a local pharmacy or arrange an appointment for when you return home.
• Mental health and wellbeing support is on offer to anyone who needs it.
• If you need urgent dental treatment and you attend a dental practice on a regular basis, please contact them first to request an urgent appointment. Otherwise, please use NHS 111.
• If you have a serious or life-threatening emergency, please do not delay in calling 999.
• Tips on enjoying open water safely in Norfolk.
• Information about ticks in Norfolk and how to be ‘tick aware’.
• Parents and guardians can access Just One Norfolk which is a dedicated NHS resource with trusted help, advice and information during pregnancy, birth and your parenthood journey.

Cllr Bill Borrett, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing, added: “There’s lots of advice available to help families stay safe in the summer this year. It’s good to remind ourselves that our older or more vulnerable neighbours and loved ones may struggle more in periods of extreme heat, and we should take a moment to check in on them more frequently. We all have a responsibility for our own health, and those around us, and it’s worth noting that there is lots of useful information on our Norfolk County Council Facebook page which gives Public Health Alerts on issues as they arise.”

For advice, service information and top tips, visit: improvinglivesnw.org.uk/happyhealthyholidays