Making sense of slimming

With a grey, gloomy summer looking more and more likely, you and your kids might be a little glum at the prospect of spending the holidays indoors.

Keeping the kids entertained during the long summer break can be challenging enough when the sun is shining, so what do you do when the only blue sky you get to see is on holiday programmes?

Well, fortunately for you, there is one great activity that you can encourage your child to do - reading. Burying your head in a good book is back in fashion this summer after the hype surrounding the release of the final Harry Potter instalment. Why not make the most of all the excitement and get your child interested in reading?

If you’re one of the unlucky ones and your area suffers flooding, make sure you and your family are prepared and know what to do.

The risk of infections and illness is very low after your home has been flooded, but it’s better to take precautions to look after the health of yourself and your family.

Read on for guidance from the Health Protection Agency on keeping health risks to a minimum.

If you take medication
General advice
Cleaning up inside your home
Cleaning gardens and play areas
Cleaning clothing and bedding
Returning to your home
Food preparation and storage
If your drinking water becomes contaminated
Water for infants during flooding
How to deal with chemical hazards
Carbon monoxide advice
Other health concerns