|
After almost two decades of “slip, slop, slap and wrap” you’d think we’d be world class in our sun-smart behaviour. Sadly no.
According to a recent survey by the Cancer Society and the Health Sponsorship Council, more than half of New Zealanders who spend time outdoors in the weekend don’t apply sunscreen, and only two in five wear a hat.
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with 45,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Melanoma, the most common cancer in people aged 20 to 39, is also the most serious, claiming 200 lives a year.
What’s important to remember is that the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet rays is not linked to heat. “Because it’s not always particularly hot in parts of New Zealand in summer, people think it’s safe to be outside without covering up against the sun,” says Wendy Fulton, health promotion manager of the Auckland Cancer Society. “In fact even on a cooler day, ultraviolet rays can be extremely strong and can burn.”
The often-used UV Index, determines the intensity of UV rays in different locations, taking into account factors such as cloud cover and pollution. Instead of the old “burn time” rating, which was an inexact measurement, the UV index dial gives readings between one and 11+.
At one or two, the UV level is low, and only low-level skin protection is required. A rating of eight or above is very high.
Exposure to UV radiation can also “sunburn” our eyes, warns OPSM professional services manager Donald Klaassen, causing an often-painful condition called photokeratitis. Symptoms include red eyes, a gritty feeling, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Also common is a reddish-yellow growth, called pinguecula, which spreads over the white of the eye. More serious is the risk of long-term eye harm, and scientific studies have shown that exposure to even small amounts of UV radiation over a period of many years may increase our chances of developing cataracts, and cause damage to the retina, which is usually not reversible.
“New Zealanders, who spend a lot of time outdoors, are not aware of the impact of UV light on the health of the eye,” says Klaassen, who recommends wearing sunglasses with polarized Prevention is always the best cure, so remember:
SLIP on a shirt and slip into the shade between 11am and 4pm when UV levels are at their highest.
SLOP on sunscreen. The Cancer Society recommends a broad-spectrum SPF30 sunscreen that should protect you for two to three hours, depending on your skin type and the conditions. Apply a thick layer 15 to 20 minutes before exposure to the sun to allow it time to absorb into the skin. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is determined by the different combination of chemical filters in your lotion.
SLAP on a hat – preferably one with a wide brim or a cap with ear and neck flaps. Your face, neck and shoulders are the most common sites for sunburn.
WRAP on sunglasses – the best kind fit closely and wrap around your face. Visit your optometrist once a year for a thorough eye examination.
|