While it was normal for our NHS to struggle during winter months with influenza, cold and associated heart and lung problems, it seems now our summer months are as busy as winter months for our under-pressure NHS, with soaring temperatures that affect old and the young alike, mainly due to dehydration, sun stroke and weakness, fainting due heat and loss of appetite, especially in elderly who are living on their own.
The sun-stroke affects mainly young people who want to take advantage of our unusual weather and spend too much time in the hot, midday sun, their lunch hour, to top up their sun-tan without realizing how hot the weather is. While some end up in A & E, others may develop skin cancer later on in life. Although sun lotion may give some protection, it is not fool-proof, should not be taken for granted that it is safe to bake the body in the sun without having adverse effect.
Tropical diseases like tuberculosis and malaria are also on the rise, mainly due to attractions of the far away mystic holiday hotspots like Thailand, India, Kenya, Nepal and Bali, a few among many such destinations.
Britain was declared free of measles, mainly due to very low cases for three consecutive years leading to the belief that it is now possible to eradicate it completely. In fact we had some 440 cases last year. But in reality no disease can be eradicated completely unless it is universally eradicated; exist only in laboratories for scientific research.
One reason for the re-emergence of measles in this country is low intake of MMR vaccine for one year old children, due to misconception that it may do more harm than good. It is time for the medical profession, especially GPs to educate and inform parents if we really want to eradicate measles and other such diseases for good. Ignorance should not be allowed to jeopardise the health of our children.
Kumudini Valambia
By email
