Health Centre
SUNSMART
The lovely warm weather is upon us and it’s time to be more aware of the UV rays and protect our skin.
For Students and Staff: The UV reading can be easily found on SIMON’s Home page at the top left: click on the Weather symbol.
For Parents and Carers: Download the freeSunSmart Global UV app that puts sun protection advice from the Cancer Council Victoria for your current location, at your fingertips.
Sunscreen is always available for students during their school day:
- In the Health Centre
- With Yard duty teachers
- On Excursions
- At all Sporting events
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- In Victoria, UV levels regularly reach 3 or higher from mid-August to the end of April.
- Skin cancer is Australia's most prevalent cancer.
- Two in three Australians will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
- When skin starts to change colour – what people often call a ‘tan’ – that’s a clear sign that damage is being done.
- Damage caused by UV radiation is the single biggest factor in skin’s health and appearance, leading to premature ageing, wrinkles, blotches, freckles or burnt, peeling skin and skin cancer.
- Skin can be damaged in as little as 15 minutes on a fine January day.
- UV exposure adds up over time. Skin remembers and records all UV exposure and DNA damage, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer.
- Sunburn and almost all skin cancers, can be prevented by using sun protection.
- Talking to your children about UV radiation and the damage it causes to skin cells can highlight the risk of being outdoors without sun protection.
- There is no such thing as a healthy tan.
- Parents and carers are powerful role models.
Real life story of Sam, a young Olympian
Please be in touch if you have any questions.
Lisa Glover / Kath Treble