Saturday 13th Jun, 2026 15 °C
Saturday 13th Jun, 2026 15 °C
REMEMBER TO STAY SAFE IN THE SUN
With the warmer weather and the school holidays approaching, we are more likely to be out and about more over the coming weeks.
With that in mind, sun safety is a key message I’d like to share this month. The best way to enjoy the sun safely and protect your skin from sunburn and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer is to use a combination of shade, clothing and sunscreen. Plus remember to keep hydrated and drink plenty to water.
When the sun is strong, spend time in the shade (particularly between 11am and 3pm). Cover up with light, loose fitting clothes, a hat and sunglasses. Use a sunscreen with a protection level of at least SPF15 (sun protection factor or UVB – ultraviolet B radiation – protection) and 4 stars UVA – ultraviolet A radiation protection). With both, the higher the rating the better and remember to use it generously and reapply regularly.
Remember to check the expiry date on your sunscreen, noting how long they can be used once opened.
Remember babies, children and very fair skinned people should avoid direct sunlight as their skin is far more sensitive.
I hope you have a happy and fun-filled summer.
Save the date! If you haven't already, make sure you have the Knowsley Feelgood Festival and Flower Show in your diary.
The Feelgood Festival takes place on Saturday 4 August from 1pm until 4pm with a range of fun activities to boost your heart rate as well as activities to relax and de-stress you.
Following this on Sunday 5 August from 11am until 4pm is the 20th Knowsley Flower Show, with a huge display of prize winning flowers, plants, vegetables and crafts.
Both events are family fun-filled days of entertainment, taking place at Court Hey Park in Huyton. Further information is available on www.knowsleynews.co.uk
TOGETHER WE CAN HELP TO COMBAT THIS HORRIBLE DISEASE
In Knowsley, early diagnosis of cancer in any form is a priority for me.
Many of us have been affected by cancer either directly, or indirectly. By ensuring residents know the signs and symptoms, attend screening appointments when invited, return bowel cancer kits and advising their doctor of any relevant family history, together we can help to combat this horrible disease.
This month, I am supporting Public Health England's national 'Be Clear on Cancer' campaign, focusing on breast cancer and targeting women aged 70 or over.
Nationally, one in three women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are aged 70 or over, yet they often think that it does not affect them. Breast screening takes place every three years for women aged between 50 and 70 so if you receive an appointment, please go along.
If you're over 70, you can ask for a free screening every three years – ask your GP.
Most women are aware to look out for a lump, but other signs include pain, changes to the skin, shape, size or feel of the breast. Make an appointment to see your GP if your notice any of these changes. If breast cancer is diagnosed early, it is more likely to be treated successfully. To find out more, visit www.nhs.uk/breastcancer70
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with around one in eight men getting prostate cancer at some point in their lives and your risk increases with age.
Most men with early prostate cancer don't have any signs or symptoms. Symptoms often only become apparent when your prostate is large enough to affect the urethra and you may start to notice things like an increased need to urinate, straining while urinating, dribbling after you finish urinating and feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied.
These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored and could be caused by a non-cancerous problem called an enlarged prostate. If you notice any of these symptoms, visit your GP.
Further information is available at www.prostatecanceruk.org
ACT FAST CAMPAIGN
Earlier this month, Public Health England relaunched the national ‘Act FAST’ stroke campaign, working closely with the Stroke Association.
Hopefully by now, you will have seen or heard about the campaign, either through TV or radio advertising or social media. If you haven’t, it’s really important that you know what the signs are to look out for, and importantly, what to do if you suspect someone is have a stroke.
The FAST campaign highlights the sings for you to look out for:-
Face – has their face fallen to one side? Can they smile?
Arms – can they raise both arms and keep them there?
Speech – is their speech slurred?
Time – call 999 if you see any of these signs
Other symptoms can include sudden loss of vision or blurred vision, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, sudden memory loss or confusion or sudden dizziness.
If you see any of the above symptoms, it’s important that you act FAST and call 999 – the sooner you act the better their chances of a good recovery. There’s lots of stroke prevention advice available on www.nhs.uk (search ‘stroke prevention’) including having a healthy diet, regular exercise, give up smoking and not drinking too much alcohol.
Also, if you’re aged 40-74, have you had your free NHS health check? It is designed to help spot the early signs of a stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia. You’ve got nothing to lose and lots to gain as you will receive advice around the steps you can take to lower your risk of developing these conditions.
Find out more about the free NHS check on www.healthyknowsley.co.uk (click on ‘checking’).