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Research
has shown that five or more sunburns during your lifetime doubles
the risk of getting melanoma, the most deadly form of all skin
cancers. Australia has
the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.
One out of two Australians will be treated for skin cancer
during their life.
Skin
damage accumulates over the years. Most damage to the skin is caused
by over-exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in
childhood and adolescence, and this is a major risk factor in the
development of skin cancer later in life.
Reduce
your risk of skin cancer by being SunSmart this summer:
·
Stay
out of the sun between 10am and 3pm when the 70% of the daily UVR is
recieved.
·
Use
shade wherever you can, including; trees, shelters and umbrellas.
·
Slip! on clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
A shirt made from a tightly woven fabric, with longer sleeves
and a high neck or collar provides the best protection. Natural
fibres (like cotton) and loose fitting clothes are coolest on hot
days. Dark colours tend to give the best UVR protection.
·
Slop! on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF 30+
sunscreen. Make sure
you apply it 20 minutes before going outdoors.
Remember to reapply every two hours and after swimming or
heavy exercise. As no sunscreen will block out all UVR totally, don’t rely
on sunscreen alone.
·
Slap! on a wide brimmed or legionnaire style hat, that
shades the face, neck and ears.
A 6cm brim for children is recommended, 8-10cm for adults.
Baseball caps do not offer ideal UVR protection.
·
Don't
forget to wear sunglasses. UVR
can damage the eyes. Wear close fitting, wrap around style of
sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard AS1067.
Children should also be encouraged to wear sunglasses.
What
else can parents do?
·
Set your children a good example, make sure you
always wear a hat and sun protective clothing when going outside.
·
Ask your children’s day care centre or school if
they have a sun protection policy.
·
Support your school or childcare centre when they
want to plant trees or build shade structures.
·
Provide your child with sun protective gear and
sunscreen to use when they are away from home.
·
Remind them to put their hats on before going
outside to play.
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