HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Be sun smart this summer
S
ummer is here and
or higher 20 minutes before you go outside and re-apply at least every two hours, after towel drying, perspiring or swimming. However, the use of sunscreen is not a
that means South
licence to ‘bare all’ in
Africans need to
the sun,. Avoid direct
protect their skin from the
sunlight between
harmful effects of solar
10am and 4pm, when
ultraviolet (UV) radiation,
the sun’s rays are most
which is a risk factor for
dangerous.
skin cancer.
• Keep babies out of
Despite popular belief,
direct sunlight – Their
even those with darker
skin contains too
skin can get skin cancer,
little melanin and as
although they are gener-
such, cannot provide
ally less susceptible be-
enough protection
cause their skin contains
from the sun.
more natural melanin,
• Wear protective cloth-
which protects against
ing – Wear sunglasses
sun damage.
with a UV protection rating of UV400. Wear
“The good news is that skin cancer can be
protective clothing
prevented by respecting
and swimsuits. Use a
the sun. At least 80% of
thickly-woven fabric
sun-induced skin dam-
hat with a wide brim
age occurs before the age
on the beach, at play, or at
considered high risk,” she
instead of a cap that
of 18 and only manifests
school.
adds.
leaves the neck and
later in life,” says Lucy
“People with fair skin,
ears exposed.
Balona, Head of Market-
especially those with
ing and Communication
red hair, moles or skin
Basic safety practices
at the Cancer Association
spots, as well as people
Cansa advises following
of South Africa (Cansa).
with a personal or family
these tips to stay safe in
history of skin cancer, or
the sun:
For more information
to take particular care
who play sport outdoors,
• Use sunscreen – It
on being sun smart,
of children in the sun,
work in the sun or spend
is important to apply
visit the website
whether it is at the pool,
a lot of time driving, are
sunscreen of SPF 20
www.cansa.org.za,
She says it is imperative
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• Hydrate – Drink water throughout the day and stay hydrated.
Public Sector Manager • December 2021 / January 2022
