News Spring / Summer 2010
'Stay Safe in the Sun this Summer...'
Stay in the shade: Try to keep out
of direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day
(between 10am and 4pm). Unprotected skin can burn in
only a few minutes (even in the Isle of Man).
Cover up: wear light woven
fabrics that are not transparent to the light. Thin
cotton Tshirts offer little protection. Choose a hat
that covers your face, neck and ears and use sunscreen
every day.
Protect your eyes: always wear
sunglasses in direct sunlight. A ‘wraparound’ style
offers the most protection. Always buy lenses that have
a recognised safety mark, such as the European CE mark.
The British Standard for sunglasses is BSEN 1836.
Put on sun cream or block: cream
should be frequently reapplied. Always reapply after
swimming (water resistant does not mean waterproof) and
after drying yourself with a towel.
Understand sun protection factor – SPF:
there are two main types of harmful rays from the sun –
UVA and UVB. A quick way to remember which is which is
A for Ageing, B for Burning. SPF ratings on sun creams
usually cover UVB protection, ranging from Factor 2 to
50. The higher the rating the more protection is given.
But beware: wearing a Factor 50 cream does not mean
that you can safely stay in the sun all day. Understand
the dangers of over exposure:
- Dehydration: it is vital to
drink enough in hot weather. Water’s the best thing
to drink and remember that if you feel thirsty you
are already dehydrated.
- Sunstroke: if your body is
dehydrated you are in danger of suffering
sunstroke. Symptoms can include dizziness,
headaches, extreme tiredness, rapid breathing and a
racing pulse. Sunstroke can be fatal so it is
essential to cool down the body as quickly as
possible by immersing in a cool bath and
immediately seeking medical advice.
- Skin cancer: skin cancer is
one of the fastest growing cancers in the UK, but
can usually be successfully treated when the
symptoms are recognised early. Look for any changes
to the skin, especially to moles or other dark
growths. Contact Us if in
doubt.
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IN AN EMERGENCY, SUCH AS
CHEST PAIN, DIAL 999 FOR AN AMBULANCE
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