Cranbourne South Primary School

Safety & First Aid News 

SUNSMART

 

We all want our students and early childhood community to be able to learn and play outdoors, but as educators we need to support children and families to know the risk of UV.

By teaching sensible sun protection habits from an early age and implementing sun protection measures, schools and early childhood services can play a significant role in reducing skin cancer risk.

Cranbourne South Primary School is a Sunsmart school and all students are required to wear wide brimmed hats.

Reducing skin cancer risk

UV exposure during childhood has a big impact on skin cancer risk – but it’s almost entirely preventable with good UV protection.

SunSmart recommends early childhood services and schools develop and implement a comprehensive, evidence-informed UV protection policy to reduce UV exposure and encourage the use of all five forms of sun protection. 

In Victoria, 97% of early childhood services and 90% of primary schools have a written sun protection policy, with research showing they have the greatest number of children and staff protecting themselves from the sun. Please see our website for our Sunsmart Policy

Be prepared for the current grass pollen conditions

 

 

As we continue to experience high grass pollen levels, it's crucial to be proactive in managing potential health impacts:

  • Stay Indoors: Consider staying indoors on high and extreme grass pollen days, especially if you're sensitive to pollen. This can significantly reduce your exposure.
  • Home Environment: Keep windows closed to prevent pollen from entering your living spaces. Using air purifiers can also help in reducing indoor pollen levels. Dyson are currently offering our users 20% off purifiers when they use the coupon “POLLEN”.
  • Asthma Action Plan: If you or a family member has asthma, ensure that you have an updated asthma action plan in place. This plan should outline what medications to take, how to recognize when symptoms are worsening, and what steps to take in case of an asthma attack.
  • Consult Health Professionals: It's a good time to consult with your GP or pharmacist. They can provide advice tailored to your specific needs, recommend medications if necessary, and ensure you're well-equipped to handle the season.
  • Stock Up on Medication: Check that you are well stocked with hay fever and asthma medication. If you are running low, Chemist2U will deliver straight from the chemist to your door, with same-day delivery available. Plus, orders of $75 or more come with free delivery. Visit the Chemist2U website here.
  • Look out for your pets: Our pets can suffer from allergies just as much as we do. RSPCA recommends reducing time outdoors and wiping their fur with a damp cloth after exposure, along with recognising the signs of allergies and seeking timely vet care if needed. Listen to the Unravelling Pet Allergies Podcast with Dr Bronwyn Oke from the RSPCA to learn more.
  • Melbourne Pollen App: Regularly checking the Melbourne Pollen app can help you plan your outdoor activities by staying updated on the latest forecasts, getting notifications on high and extreme grass pollen days or if a Thunderstorm asthma risk forecast is issued. Download the Melbourne Pollen app here.