The sun uv radiation is damaging to your skin and that of your loved ones! Over exposure to ultraviolet radiation can cause short term health effects such as sunburn, wrinkles and sun spots; and long term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can increase the risk of damage to the skin which may cause skin cancer and eventually Melanoma, as well as damage to the eyes which may result in cataracts. The risk for Children is even greater at young age.



This message has been repeated by government and private health organizations in the hope it will raise awareness amongst parents and personnel responsible for children during their outdoor activities. Below are some important sun protection messages, which we hope will be useful and aid you in providing adequate UV protection for your kids. Please take your time reading and sharing with your community, your family members and friends;

Children below age 15 have sensitive skin and eyes, therefore extended sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer later in life and can cause serious damage to the eye and the skin. Encourage your children to use sun protection swim wear if on the beach; UV protective clothing and sun hat when outdoor; and importantly to take a break in the shade when possible, especially during middays, the result will be healthier and younger looking skin throughout their lives.

THE BASIC SUN PROTECTION MESSAGES

It is important to wear sun protective clothing with uv block ratings of UPF50+ (blocks over 97.5% of the sun uv radiation), and you should wear a broad-brimmed sun hat to protect the eyes, face and neck; Also wearing sunglasses with side panels will increase protection for the eyes.

Make sure to protect babies and young children, this is particularly important, also avoid using perfumes and deodorants which can sensitize the skin, causing serious burns in the sun, so ask your pharmacist for advice.

Sun exposure increases skin cancer risk, accelerates skin aging and causes damage to the eyes, so make sure you protect yourself! in the shade, using clothing and hats, and apply sunscreen to parts of the body that remain exposed, like the face and hands.

Sunscreen should never be used to prolong the duration of sun exposure, and targeted groups must include children and young people, since frequent UV radiation exposure and a history of sunburn during childhood and adolescence is an important risk factor for skin cancer, especially for potentially lethal malignant melanoma. If necessary use and reapply broad-spectrum sunscreen of sun protection factor (SPF)15+

SUN TANNING MESSAGES

Tanning does not stop much UV radiation! Even when your skin is tanned, limit your exposure during midday hours, and continue to protect yourself from sunburn which is literally an indication that your skin has overdosed on UV radiation so take steps to save your skin.

PERCEPTION OF UV RADIATION

Cloudy weather does not mean you can not get burnt, since it is the UV radiation in the sun rays that burns you and causes skin cancer; UV radiation can penetrate through cloud, and remember the sun does not need to feel hot to damage your skin and eyes, it is done by UV radiation, which is not seen or felt.

ACTIVITY-BASED MESSAGES

Dont forget your sunscreen, hat and long-sleeved shirt, that should be all you need to make sure you dont get a nasty dose of sunburn, also high altitudes and fresh snow can double your UV radiation exposure, so wear sunglasses and sunscreen!

School break means fun in the sun for the lucky ones, if you are one of them, remember to pack a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses; springtime, gardening time. While tending your flower beds, dont forget to protect your skin.