Page last updated at 12 June 2015 at 12:46
Take Care in the Sun
The sun makes us feel happy and relaxed, improves our mood and provides essential vitamins to keep our body healthy. However over exposure to harmful sunrays, especially when we are young, can damage skin and lead to skin cancer.
Enjoy a healthy, happy summer by following these top tips for staying safe in the sun.
Use a sunscreen labelled ‘broad spectrum’ which protects against both UVA and UVB rays and has a minimum SPF 15 or higher (always use a higher SPF for fair or sensitive skin). Apply before going out in the sun and remember to reapply every two hours.
Cover Up with loose fitting clothing made from tightly woven natural fibres to protect the skin from the sun’s rays. Wear a wide brimmed hat to shade the face and a pair of good quality sunglasses that are British standard approved to protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays.
Seek the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its hottest.
Drink Water Aim to drink at least 6-8 glasses or more of water a day especially in hot weather to keep you fit and hydrated.
Take special care of babies and young children as their skin is delicate and should be kept out of direct sunlight. Keep babies out of the sun completely as sunburn can lead to skin cancer in later life. Teach older children to wear a sunscreen and cover up.
For further information visit http://www.sunsmart.org.uk/ or contact your doctor, practice nurse, health visitor or community pharmacist.