McKinnonNEWS

HEALTH

THE NEED TO BE SUNSMART

At McKinnon we aim to encourage our students to be SunSmart so they can reduce their risk of skin cancer later in life. We know that a healthy balance of exposure to the sun’s UV rays is important for everyone. However, the latest information indicates that the information we should be paying particular attention is to the UV Index reported by the Bureau of Meteorology.

 

This is a far more accurate way of protecting ourselves against skin damage that can lead to skin cancer. The predicted temperature for the day, the time of day and the month of the year are also important considerations, but UV radiation can be high even on cool and overcast days.

 

The recommendation is therefore to apply sunscreen prior to coming to school and bring some from home to apply, when necessary. SPF50+ is the recommended sunscreen and needs to be applied liberally.

 

The school hat is a compulsory part of the PE and sport uniform and MUST be worn Terms 1 and 4 during these lessons. It can also be worn to and from school, at recess and lunchtime or when attending an outside class such as peer support.

 

We are now aware that eyes are very sensitive to UV damage. Wearing a broad-brimmed hat can cut the amount of UV radiation reaching your eyes by 50%. Wearing both a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses can reduce UV rays to the eyes by up to 98%, therefore sunglasses may also be worn when in the sun.

 

A lot of us are aware of the Cancer Council’s important message.

  1. Slip on sun-protective clothing.
  2. Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply every two hours.
  3. Slap on a hat.
  4. Seek shade.
  5. Slide on sunglasses.

Our Annual Swimming Carnival, this year, is to be held on WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY. We encourage and expect our students to be responsible by wearing hats, sunscreen and covering up whilst waiting for their events or watching other students participate. It is the students’ responsibility to manage their SunSmart behaviour although we do remind them and reinforce sun protection measures. If they do happen to forget their Sunscreen on the day, there will be some sunscreen lotion available.

 

It is also important to be mindful that, as we know, Melbourne can have four seasons in one day, so be prepared! Leading up to the day, and on the morning of the carnival, check the weather forecast and if it predicts rain or cooler weather then bring raincoat, warm clothes and an umbrella.

 

The following may be useful if you want more information: 

 

Cancer Council Australia has a SunSmart app is a great way to check the UV Index when you are out and about.

 

iPhone users can download it at the iTunes App Store and

 

Android users at the Google Play store.

 

I make no apology if you have seen very similar information in previous newsletters. We all need to make a very conscious effort to establish good habits when it comes to our health.

 

Susan Wilken

Health Learning Area Manager