SUN SAFETY

UNACCUSTOMED AS WE ARE...

SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen should be the last line of defence after clothing, a hat, shade and sunglasses. The Irish Cancer Society recommend a sunscreen of at least 30SPF which should be applied 20 minutes before going outside and again every two hours.

WATER

To avoid dehydration, water intake should be bumped up to eight to ten glasses a day during a heatwave. However, alternatives to H2O can include snacking on frozen berries and grapes because they both contain a large amount of water.

HAT

The skin on your face, ears and neck is much thinner and more sensitive to UV damage so those venturing outdoors should choose a hat that provides good shade to the face, head, neck and ears.

SUNGLASSES

Eyes are very sensitive to UV damage and while wearing a hat can cut the amount of UV radiation reaching your eyes by 50%, wearing both a broadbrimmed hat and sunglasses can reduce Ultra-violet (UV) rays to the eyes by up to 98%, so polarised sunglasses are recommended.

CHILDREN

Babies’ delicate skin makes them particularly susceptible to sun damage and current evidence suggests that childhood sun exposure makes an important contribution to the lifetime risk of skin cancer. Seeking shade, UPF (Ultra-violet Protection Factor) protective clothing, a broadbrimmed hat and highfactor sunscreen are essential

PETS

Pets are among the most vulnerable when the warm weather hits, with the ISPCA warning they can become dehydrated and overheat quickly. Warning signs include excessive panting, increased heart rate, dry or pale gums and weakness or collapsing. To avoid overheating, pets should always have access to shade and fresh water.