Wellbeing News

Health Tips 

Spring is around the corner and the sun is noticeably already hotter. 

When the index hits 3, cover up from UV is the Sunsmart advice. 

It's great being outdoors, enjoying our beautiful country and climate. But being outdoors means we’re exposed to some of the harshest and most dangerous levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 

If you haven’t already, download the free Sunsmart UV app. UV radiation can’t be seen or felt and can be harmful on warm, sunny days and on cool, cloudy days too. 

The free SunSmart Global UV app puts sun protection advice at your fingertips, so you know when UV levels can damage your skin leading to skin cancer – wherever you are in the world. 

When the index hits 3, cover up from UV! In Victoria, UV levels are typically 3 or above from mid-August to the end of April. 

It might be a good time to encourage and dig out the sun hat to make sure it still fits well. If it doesn’t, head down to the local hardware shop for a new one. 

Take note, you can get burnt on windy, cloudy and cool days. Sunburn is caused by UV radiation, which is not related to temperature – a cooler or windy day in summer will have a similar UV index to a warmer day. If it’s windy and you get a red face, it’s likely to be sunburn. 

https://www.sunsmart.com.au/resources/sunsmart-app 

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells are damaged and grow uncontrollably. 

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer. 

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. More than two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. 

The good news is that using sun protection will cut your risk of skin cancer at any age, no matter if you are 6, 16 or 60 years old. And most skin cancers can be successfully treated if found early. 

https://www.sunsmart.com.au/skin-cancer 

For more information: SunSmart: Prevent skin cancer & sunburn this summer - SunSmart

The Wellbeing Team

Pip, our Mental Health Practitioner is here every Monday and Tuesday 

Leah, our School Nurse is with us every second Thursday  

Rhona, our Student Support Mentor is here on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.