Introduction
The sun’s Ultra-Violet (UV) rays can damage your skin and harm your eyes.
Unfortunately Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.
You can reduce the risks associated with sun damage by following these procedures.
SLIP, SLOP, SLAP, WRAP, SHADE, & SLURP!
- SLIP: Slip on a shirt - preferably a shirt with a collar and long sleeves.
- SLOP: Slop on some sunscreen. Use a maximum protection, broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 for the face and other areas that cannot be covered with clothing. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun and re-apply regularly, particularly after swimming or exercise.
- SLAP: Slap on a hat. Wear a wide brimmed hat or legionnaire style cap to protect the face, ears and back of the neck.
- WRAP: Wear good quality sunglasses that block 100% of the UV rays. They should be curved, or have side pieces, to prevent UV rays entering from the side. Polaroid treatment is an advantage when looking at or into the water.
- SHADE: Seek shade wherever possible, particularly between 10am and 2pm.
- SLURP: Slurp some water to prevent dehydration. This doesn’t really prevent sun damage but its an important health issue for anyone spending time in the sun.
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Some Interesting Facts
UV rays cannot be seen or felt and are not related to air temperature. You can still get skin damage on cool, slightly overcast days.
There is no such thing as windburn. Due to 50% of the UV rays being scattered from surfaces such as concrete, sand and water, you get burnt under umbrellas, tents, boat canopies, and verandahs on windy days and calm days.
The water does not protect you from UV rays when you are swimming. UV rays penetrate at least 20 cm into the water.
Water and beach sand are very good reflectors of UV rays. You can get a double dose if you’re not Sunsmart.
If you feel thirsty and you want a drink you are already dehydrated!
Did you know that in the Top End of the Northern Territory, in places like Darwin and Nhulunbuy, the sun passes directly overhead twice each year!
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