It’s Sun awareness week
The 3rd to 9th May is Sun awareness week and you may be thinking ‘So what?’ well it’s more important thank you might think.
Radiation from the sun and sunbeds drastically increase your risk of developing skin cancer. They can also:
• Speed up ageing
• Cause blisters, headaches and sunstroke
• Weaken your immune system
• Cause permanent damage to your eyes
• Lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion
This isn’t to say that we shouldn’t enjoy the sun, in fact sunlight can have positive effects on our mental health and encourages us to get out and about more meaning we get more exercise and socialise more.
However, we should also be aware of the risks and take some basic steps to protect ourselves and those we care about.
5 myths about sun exposure
- People with dark skin don’t need to wear sun cream.
- Tanning is always safe as long as you don’t burn.
- You can only burn in summer or when the weather’s warm.
- You can’t burn through glass.
- Sunbeds are safer than exposure to the sun.
Protecting yourself in the sun
1. KEEP DRINKING WATER
Keeping hydrated is, that’s true even if you’re chilling out but even more so if you’re active. Pack bottled of frozen water for day drips and have a water bottle with you to sip from regularly.
2. REAPPLY SUN LOTION
Putting sunscreen on once a day just isn’t enough. Re-apply it throughout the day and after you get out of water. Experts recommend using at least SPF 30. Keep your sun lotion cool so it feels refreshing when you apply it.
3. FIND SOME SHADE
Try to reduce direct exposure as much as possible. You can still get a tan in the shade and enjoy the nice weather, but it reduces the chance of overheating
4. WEAR SUNGLASSES
Invest in a good pair of sunglasses, look for a label that promises 100% protection against for UVA and UVB and wear them when out in sunlight’
5. AVOID PEAK TIMES
Try to avoid being in direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm. This is when the sun is at its strongest and you are most at risk.
6. SAY NO TO TANNING
You can pick up a healthy tan naturally without laying out in the sun for hours. This includes tanning beds as well which expose you to intense UV radiation, drastically increasing the risk of skin cancer and permanent damage.
7. GET TO KNOW YOUR SKIN
Look for new skin markings, like moles, bumps, scaly spots, or places where your skin has changed colour. Watch moles for changes in size, texture, colour, or shape. Take note if a mole has uneven edges,
differences in colour, or one half that is different than the other.
You can also watch for moles, sores, or growths that continue to bleed, won’t heal, or look different from any other growth you may have. Talk to your doctor if you notice any of these changes.
Weekly Wellbeing Tip
Spending time with pets is great for our wellbeing and has been shown to boost our oxytocin (anti-stress hormone) levels. If you haven’t got a furry friend of your own try to spend some time with one that belongs to a friend or family member.
