School Nurse - Katherine Atkins
School Nurse News – Sun Smart
With the warmer weather arriving, I felt it was time to remind everyone of the importance of Sun Safety.
Australia is one of the skin cancer capitals of the world. Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer before the age of 70, and in 2013, 2,209 Australians died from melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. This is largely due to high UV levels experienced in Australia; home to a population with predominantly fair skin and a love of the great outdoors.
Always avoid sunburn and for best protection use a combination of these five steps when UV is 3 or above:
- SLIP on some sun-protective clothing – that covers as much skin as possible
- SLOP on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ (or greater) sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.
- SLAP on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears
- SEEK shade
- SLIDE on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards
For more information - http://www.cancertas.org.au/
Sun Smart – free app available to download
Enjoy the sunshine - every child should have and wear their own hat.
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Katherine Atkins - School Health Nurse |