EAST Lancashire clinical commissioning groups have advised parents on how to make sure their child is properly prepared for the summer.

Over the summer holidays, children like to enjoy the weather outdoors or join summer sports clubs, which can lead to falls and slips resulting in sprains and strains.

If a child suffers a sprain or strain, health bosses from NHS Blackburn with Darwen and East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) have advised parents to use PRICE therapy, which stands for protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Parents should protect the injury by resting the area for at least 48 hours, while ice packs should be used on the first day of getting the injury for 20 minutes, up to eight times.

Injuries should also be compressed with a bandage, elevating the injury for an hour or so will also help the recovery and decrease the swelling.

For more information, visit http://www.nhs.uk/pages/home.aspx