Staying Safe in the Sun.
The United Kingdom is not known for regular seasons these days. We seem to get a real mixed bag, regardless of the season. Balmy days in February, snow in May – it’s very hard to predict. Our summers can be the hardest to deal with. This is why so many of us head abroad for our holidays. Although last summer saw the most continuous spell of warm sunny weather in the UK since 1976! One thing is very certain – when we do get some sun, it is so important to stay safe. This is particularly so for children; sun exposure in the first 15yrs of your life can determine the risk of you developing cancer in later life.
What are the dangers of the Sun?
The Sun produces UV rays ( UVA, UVB and UVC) and over exposure to these rays can cause the following:
- Skin ageing and wrinkling
- Sun burn
- Skin damage – when skin gets burnt, it can die or develop cancer.
- Eye tissue damage.
It doesn’t even have to be sunny for UV rays to damage skin.
Who is at risk?
All of us!
But especially those who spend a lot of time outdoors; playing children, gardeners, fishermen, construction workers, farm workers etc.
How can we reduce the risks?
- Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! At the very least an SPF of 15, but ideally 30. Apply 30 minutes before sun exposure and re-apply regularly – every 2 hours and after getting wet/sweating.
- Limit sun exposure time – try to avoid the hours between 11am-3pm when the sun is most powerful.
- Take breaks from the sun. Go indoors for a while or find some shade.
- Cover up! Wear a hat and loose clothing that covers your skin, especially shoulders. Find a covered area, such as a sun shade, umbrella or Gazebo. Gazebos Galore often supply fleets of Commercial gazebos to schools ( in the school colour of course!) ahead of the summer season. Perfect for providing shade on sports days. Excellent areas for shelter at playtimes. They are also great for all Spring/Summer community events such as village fetes or charity sports events. Our Standard range of Gazebos are ideal for providing Garden shade for family parties, BBQs and get togethers.
- Fake it! If it’s the golden glow of a tan you’re after, there are many options available that don’t involve the sun. Fake tans, applied as mousse, cream or spray have really improved. They are a super safe alternative.
Are there any positive results of the Sun?
Amidst all the health and safety precautions, it is worth remembering the positives!
- Exposure to sunshine allows the formation of Vitamin D. A sensible 15-20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure is more than sufficient for this function.
- Vitamin D absorbs Calcium, which is good for healthy bones and teeth.
- Sun rays can stimulate metabolism.
- Sensible sunning can increase oxygen levels in our cells and boost our immune systems.
- Controlled measures of UV rays can be very beneficial for some medical conditions: eczema, psoriasis, rickets and jaundice.
- The sun makes us happy! It can improve our wellbeing and general state of mind.
If you take the necessary precautions and are sensible, you will reap the benefits of the sun and avoid the associated risks.
