Mount Ridley P-12 College

From the School Nurse 

 

SUNSMART ADVICE

 

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians developing some form of skin cancer before age 70. Yet, most skin cancers can be prevented by using sun protection measures at appropriate times of the year. 

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major cause of skin cancer. Too much UV exposure can cause sunburn, skin and eye damage and skin cancer. UV damage accumulated during childhood and adolescence is strongly associated with an increased risk of skin cancer later in life. 

School hours fall within peak UV periods of the day. But even during school holidays it is important to maintain the 5 SunSmart recommendations.

Changes to sunscreen SPF recommendations

From 1 August 2024, Cancer Council is advising all Australians to use SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen. This replaces the previous recommendation advising all Australians to use ‘SPF30 or higher’ sunscreen and comes as SPF50 and SPF50+ sunscreens dominate the Australian market.

When the UV is 3 or above, use all five forms of sun protection:

  • Slip on sun protective clothing
  • Slop on SPF50 or SPF50+, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
  • Slap on a broad-brimmed hat
  • Seek shade
  • Slide on sunglasses

1.Clothing

  • A shirt with at least elbow-length sleeves and a collar that sits close to the neck, above the collarbone.
    • Longer-style skirts, shorts and pants at least to the knee.
    • Rash vests or t-shirts should be worn during water sport activities, and while sitting outside near pool or beach.

2. Sunscreen

  • Encourage your child/ren to use sunscreen – SPF50 or SP50+, before going outdoors.
  •  Sunscreen needs to be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors and then reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after sweating or swimming.

3. Hats

  • It is recommended to wear broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire hats that protect face, head, neck and ears, whenever outside. Caps and visors are not considered a suitable alternative

4. Shade

  • It is always encouraged to use available areas of shade when outside.

5. Sunglasses 

  • For eye protection it is encouraged to wear close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard 1067 (Sunglasses: Category 2, 3 or 4) and cover as much of the eye area as possible.

 

For more information:

Download the SunSmart Global UV app

And for UV Meters

https://www.sunsmart.com.au/downloads/resources/UV-Meter-A5-brochure.pdf

 

  

                   SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the students a safe and enjoyable holiday period.

Thankyou to all the parents for your support throughout the year, whether it be providing action plans, medication or answering the endless calls and coming to collect your student when needed.

I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year equipped with your new action plans and required medications.