Student Wellbeing

A Reminder of Summer Health Alerts

Hi all! Congratulations to students and parents for making it through the school year! My name is Matthew and I am the new health promotion nurse at Coburg High School. I am excited to start at the school as it has been a warm and welcoming experience from all so far. I’ll provide more of an introduction of myself in the new year. In the meantime, as we come into the school break and over the summer period, I would like to get in a little reminder on the importance of being aware of the environmental hazards that can sometimes get overlooked:

Sun safety and sunscreen

Australia has some of the highest levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world. While it’s true that some skin types burn more easily than others, everybody (no matter what their skin type) is susceptible to skin cancer! Just because you may not burn easily, please don’t think this is not a matter of concern, because it is, both short and long term. Some studies suggest that those who burn more easily are also more likely to notice any changes to their skin and therefore seek help and treatment earlier which in turn can lead to better outcomes.

Put on SPF +50 sunscreen (remembering to cover your ears, neck and feet)
Wear a hat
Wear clothing layers where possible
Stay in shaded spaces

Installing the Cancer Council SunSmart App on both yours and your child’s phones means you can adjust the settings to reflect your personal needs and so receive alerts that reflect your own personal requirements. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/be-sunsmart/sunsmart-app

How to Survive the Heat

As the temperature gets hotter, we need to keep in mind to stay hydrated and to stay cool. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can start to impact people rapidly and can be quite serious to our health. Thankfully there are a few easy things we can do to prevent this:

Drink plenty of water, always take a bottle with you
Hot cars kill. Never leave kids, adults or pets in cars for an extended period. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes. Keep cool. Seek out air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made from natural fabrics.
Plan ahead. Schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat. If you must go out, wear a hat and sunscreen and take a bottle of water with you
Check-in on others. Look after those most at risk in the heat – your neighbour living alone, older people, children and babies, people with a medical condition and don’t forget your pets
Call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024 or see your doctor if you are unwell.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000)

Water Safety

During the summer period it is a great time go out and participate in water activities. There are many options and places to go for water activities such as the beach, indoor/outdoor pool, waterparks, or waterways. However, it is also important to careful around water. Remember:

Always supervise children around water
Avoid going alone, buddy up or make sure someone is looking out for you
Know the conditions, know your limits
Pay attention to signs and water safety flags
Don’t use drugs or alcohol while around playing around water or when supervising others.

For more information look out at: Water safety (https://www.vic.gov.au/water-safety)

Take care and see you in the new year.

Matthew Li

School Health Promotions Nurse