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Sun protection and water safety
What you need to know
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Australia is famed for its sun, surf and sizzling outdoor BBQs. However, there is a dark side to this easy, breezy lifestyle, with Cancer Council Australia reporting that two in three Aussies will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70.
The good news is that most skin cancers can be prevented by the use of good sun protection. So with that in mind, here’s how you can shield your family from harmful rays while enjoying the Australian way of life.
Plus, we look at a new app that's teaching kids about water safety.
5 ways to shield skin from the sun
When it comes to preventing skin cancer, the focus is on the letter S - and means we all need to slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.
To protect yourself from the sun:
- Slip on sun-protective clothing, covering as much skin as possible
- Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ (or higher) sunscreen, 20 minutes before going outdoors, then every two hours
- Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
- Seek shade
- Slide on sunglasses that meet Australian Standards
Cancer Council Australia says that, "A combination of these measures, along with getting to know your skin and regularly checking so you can pick up on any changes, are the key to reducing your skin cancer risk."
Sun safety for babies
Although it's important to protect ourselves from the sun at all ages, childhood sun exposure contributes significantly to the lifetime risk of skin cancer. And with their baby soft skin, infants can burn very easily.
Cancer Council Australia recommends keeping bubs out of the sun as much as possible for their first 12 months. When you do take them outside, avoid activities in the middle of the day (when UV levels are most intense), cover them up as much as possible and seek out shade.
In terms of sunscreen, the Council says, "There is no evidence that using sunscreen on babies is harmful, although some babies may develop minor skin irritation. Try sunscreen milks or creams for sensitive skin which are less likely to irritate the skin."
Campaigns and programs
Prevention is better than cure and Cancer Council Australia is committed to educating people about skin cancer and helping us avoid it.
Each year, at the start of summer, they hold National Skin Cancer Action Week to raise awareness. In 2017, the Week is being held from 19 to 25 November where you'll find information and resources.
When it comes to our children, all primary schools are encouraged to join the National SunSmart Schools Program. To receive SunSmart status and recognition, schools must:
- Have a written sun protection policy meeting minimum standards relating to curriculum, behaviour and the environment
- Be working to increase shade
- Reschedule/minimise outdoor activities during peak UV periods of the year
- Teach, model and reinforce positive sun protection behaviour
- Agree to undertake Cancer Council policy reviews and update their policy accordingly to meet SunSmart standards
Early childhood services across Australia can also be awarded SunSmart status.
The SunSmart UV Index app is also a great resource. This free smart phone app tells you when you need sun protection, provides a seven-day weather forecast, has an alert function and includes a sunscreen calculator.
How to keep kids safe around water
Sun goes hand-in-hand with water, and drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in children under five in Australia. Whether they're at home, in the pool, on a beach or down at the farm, kids need constant and active supervision around H2O.
To keep children safe, follow these Kids Alive – Do the Five water safety tips:
- Fence the pool
- Shut the gate
- Teach your kids to swim
- Supervise them
- Learn how to resuscitate
And to make things fun, the free Kids Alive – Do the Five app includes music, cartoons and e-books to teach young children and parents about water safety.
It's available at iTunes and Google Play.
So, in a nutshell, your family can soak up the Australian lifestyle and stay safe at the same time. With these precautions, sunny, splashy days are here again!
References:
Cancer Council Australia
Kids Alive
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