As people start to gather outdoors for picnics, the Cancer Council has reminded Shoalhaven residents to practice sun safe behaviours.
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The Cancer Council's Southern office has shared their sun safe post-lockdown guide to protect those who are planning outdoor trips in the warmer weather.
Community Relations Coordinator for the Southern office Sari Boschiero said as the weather heats up, the UV across the state hits high levels, meaning damage is happening to unprotected skin that can cause skin cancer.
"At least 95 per cent of all skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV," she said.
"This means nearly all skin cancers can be prevented when we make sun protection a habit. Our tips will protect you from the sun, reducing your skin cancer risk."
FIVE SUN SAFE TIPS:
- Pack a sun safe picnic bag that includes plenty of sunscreen, sunnies, and some spare sun safe hats. Pick a sunscreen that you like best - there are plenty to choose from.
- Hitting the beach for your picnic? Consider UPF50+ protection swimwear. Sari recommends the Cancer Council's Journey of Hope range - a limited-edition swimwear collection that features artwork by Indigenous artist, Riki Salam. The UPF 50+ range has pieces for the whole family and promotes awareness about how cancer impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Stay hydrated and cool. While UV from the sun can still do damage on cool and cloudy days, make sure you manage the heat by staying hydrated. You can add fresh fruit or citrus to your water to add flavour and make it extra refreshing.
- Find a spot under a tree or take a beach umbrella. Having your COVID-safe picnic in the shade will protect you from the sun and keep you cool.
- Download the SunSmart app for UV reminders, tips, and sunscreen advice. Looking at the SunSmart app in the morning has become part of my everyday routine. It tells me the recommended sun protection times in my local area. During spring UV levels are high most of the day, and the best way to protect our skin from the harsh UV rays is to use as many forms of sun protection as possible.
"Whether you're having a picnic, heading to the beach, or going for a walk, remember to slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek out shade or bring your own and slide on some sunnies," said Sari.
For more information on how to be sun smart, visit cancercouncil.com.au or call 13 11 20.
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