Protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun
Be sure to protect yourself and your family from the potentially harmful effects of solar radiation.
For many of us, there is nothing better than enjoying an afternoon in the garden in the autumn sun. However, we need to be aware of the potentially harmful effects of solar radiation.
Dr Peter Vincent from Netcare’s Travel Clinics and Medicross Tokai provides several tips on how the community can protect itself and its family from the potential dangers.
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They are:
• Stay out of the direct rays of the sun where possible, especially between 9am and 4pm, when ultraviolet rays are strongest.
• Always apply sunscreen or sunblock to protect your skin.
Apply sunscreen of at least factor 30 (more if you have fair skin or other risk factors) approximately 30 minutes before exposure to the sun.
Keep sunscreen handy and reapply often, especially after swimming or sweating excessively.
• Wear a hat with a wide brim that extends all the way around and shades your face and the back of your neck.
Where possible, wear clothes that cover your arms and legs, preferably made with fabric offering complete UV protection.
• Solar radiation is reduced in shaded areas so seek out the shade of a tree or use an umbrella on hot days.
Make sure that your umbrella offers 100 per cent UV protection.
• Place emphasis on protecting children with sunscreen and clothing, as they have more delicate skin and most sun-related skin damage occurs before the age of 18.
Children under the age of one should not be exposed to the direct rays of the sun at all.
• Wear good quality sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Avoid tanning and do not tan under artificial sunlamps and sunbeds, which have been strongly associated with skin damage.
• Regularly inspect your body for new growths and size, shape and colour changes to moles.
Also be sure to check for moles that may have developed under the nails, the palms of the hand and the soles of the feet.
If you have any concerns about any moles, changes to the skin, or sores that don’t heal, don’t delay in having these investigated by your doctor.
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist) busiv@caxton.co.za
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