SUNSMART TIPS

SUNSMART SPORT TALK
The SunSmart Sport Talk outlined below can be a quick 5 minute guide to being SunSmart.

Why it’s important to protect your skin from the sun
Too much sun and getting sunburnt when you are young is the major cause of skin cancer and other forms of skin and eye damage such as sun spots, wrinkles and premature aging in later life.
That’s why it is very important to protect your skin and eyes during leisure time, at school, at home and particularly when you are playing sport.
How to be SunSmart

• Try to minimise time spent in the sun between 10am and 3pm when UV radiation is strongest. UVR can reflect off the cement, grass, sand and water so remember to protect your skin even when you’re in the shade.
• Seek shade when outdoors – be it shade from a man-made structure such as a shade sail or natural shade from trees.
• Choose sun protective clothing such as:
• long sleeved, collared or high necked rashies and shirts.
• broad brimmed, bucket hats or legionnaire style hats instead of baseball caps (they offer little protection to your ears and neck).
• close-fitting wrap around style sunglasses.
• Use sunscreen - the best choice is one with SPF 30+ that is broad spectrum and water resistant. Always apply sunscreen liberally 20 minutes before going into the sun, and reapply every two hours or more often if you are in the water, perspiring, towelling off etc. Layer on, don’t rub it in (demonstrate how to apply sunscreen properly). Zinc cream is great protection for your face, ears neck and lips.

SUNSMART TIPS:

• Sun exposure can lead to skin cancer and other forms of skin and eye damage later in life.
• Layer sunscreen on thickly 20 minutes before going out into the sun and reapply sunscreen every two hours.
• UV radiation can penetrate cloud so do not be fooled when it’s cool. Keep covered up even on a cloudy day.
• UV rays will reflect or bounce off sand, water and paving, so use sun protection even in the shade.
• There is no such thing as wind burn! The last time you thought you were wind burnt you were actually sunburnt.
• Instead of a baseball cap use a broad brimmed hat which protects your ears and back of the neck.
• Choose a SPF 30+ sunscreen that is broad spectrum and water resistant. Always apply sunscreen thickly and do not rub it in!
• Limit your time in the sun especially between 10am and 3pm.
• Wear sun-protective clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible.
• Don’t cook for looks…there is no such thing as a safe tan.

Sunsmart Brochure Click Here