Numbers that could save your life

SPF is the sun protection factor that tells you how much UVR is filtered out by a sunscreen. The higher the number, the more UV radiation is filtered out and the more your skin is protected. An SPF 30+ sunscreen is recommended by the Cancer Society.

New Zealand has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world. More than 4000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with melanoma every year, and around 300 die every year. Although the majority of melanomas occur in people over 50 years of age, it can occur at any age, and even young children have been diagnosed.

Te Hiku Hauora’s mobile nursing team will set up a Summer Safety Clinic at Cable Bay, opposite the store, on Tuesday (December 18), from 10am to 2pm, offering a range of advice on melanoma, being sun-smart, recognising rips in the sea, boat safety and general first aid.

They will also be giving away bottled water to promote the importance of staying hydrated on hot summer days, and sunblock will also be available.

Our registered mobile nurses Robyn Tepania, Natalie MedlandParker, Fiona Swainson-Watson, and community health worker Lisa Deans are very passionate about providing information and advice to keep our wha¯ nau and community safe in the water and on our beaches this summer. So drop on by and enter our draw to win a summer pack.

For more information, contact the mobile nursing team on 0800 808-4024, and/or visit www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz and www.melanoma.org.nz