Protecting your Children from the Sun
According to the Australian Cancer Council, Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Both mild and serious types of sunburn can cause unchangeable skin damage which, with further exposure, can lead to skin cancers later in life. It is essential now more than ever to teach children how to be “SunSmart”, a term coined by the Australian Cancer Council.
Is my child at risk of skin cancer?
People of all ages are at risk of skin cancers. Evidence suggests that childhood sun exposure contributes significantly to a person’s lifetime risk of skin cancer. Cancer Council Australia recommends keeping babies in particular out of the sun as much as possible for the first 12 months.
What is Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation?
The majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV Radiation in sunlight. You cannot see or feel UV Radiation. It is damaging to the skin in all types of weather. UV radiation can be just as strong when the temperature is cool, and it can be reflected off surfaces such as water, sand, snow, glass and some metals. A person cannot feel when they are being burnt by UV rays until after they have been burnt.
How do I be “SunSmart”?
By following the Cancer Councils five steps you will be protected from the sun.
1. SLIP on some sun protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
2. SLOP on some SPF30+ sunscreen (water resistant and broad spectrum is preferable). Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply every two hours.
3. SLAP on a hat that covers the face, head, neck and ears.
4. SEEK shade.
5. SLIDE on some sunglasses that meet Australian Safety Standards.
We follow these sun protection measures at our service. If you would like to view our Sun Smart policy, please ask an educator.
When do you need to be “SunSmart”?
Sun protection is required at all times when the UV Index levels reach 3 and above. The “SunSmart” UV Index Level is recorded by the Bureau of Meteorology. Live UV indexes are available from www.arpansa.gov.au/uvindex/realtime. UV levels depend on the season, the daily weather and the region of Australia.
UV levels reach above three nearly every day (other than June or July in some States) in the Australian climate. Particular care should be taken during 10am-2pm or 11am-3pm in Daylight Savings hours as this is when the UV level is at its peak.
If you would like any further information on protecting your child (or yourself) from the sun and feel that we can help in any way, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Resources
Cancer Council Australia
http://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/skin-cancer.html#jump_4
Retrieved 4 June 2013