Media Release
January 2013
Be sun smart to stay healthy says Fedhealth
January is Sun Smart Awareness Month, and while we can all benefit from a good dose of vitamin D and the positive effect the sun has on our
moods, overexposure to the sun can lead to cataracts and other sight problems, a suppression of the immune system, premature ageing, skin
cancer, dehydration and painful sunburn.
“We should all take precautions against overexposure, and not just in the hot summer months,” cautions Peter Jordan, Principal Officer for
Fedhealth. He adds that organ transplant patients and those on certain medications are also at higher risk of sun damage.
The facts & figures
Though clouds keep much of the sun's heat (infrared radiation) from reaching the earth, they block as little as 20% of the harmful UV radiation.
The closer to the equator you are, the more potent the sun's rays. That is because they hit the earth more directly for a greater part of the year.
South Africans therefore, should be much more vigilant.
Ultraviolet radiation increases 4%-5% with every 300 metres above sea level. Skiers, hikers, and those living at high elevations need
four-season protection.
Water, sand, concrete, and snow are highly reflective surfaces, bouncing back as much as 90% of the sun's rays upwards and sideways.
Top 10 sun smart tips
TIP #1: Some medications, including commonly used acne medications and antibiotics, can make skin more susceptible to sunburn and sun
damage. Other medications may cause photosensitive reactions like rashes, redness, and swelling. Consult your physician or pharmacist before
going out in the sun while on medication.
TIP #2: Although true allergy to sunscreens is rare, burning and stinging reactions to a particular product are more common. The reaction may
occur as soon as the sunscreen is applied, shortly after gong into the sun, or after several days of use. This may be due not to the active
light-absorbing agent in the product, but to other ingredients such as fragrances or preservatives. If you develop a rash or redness, try a
different product.
TIP #3: Keep track of the time you spend in full sunlight; do not stay in an unshaded spot for long stretches of time.
TIP #4: Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher whenever you spend time outdoors. This applies to all outdoor activities. Choose a sunscreen with
ingredients that block both UVB and UVA rays. Apply liberally and evenly to all exposed skin. Not using enough will effectively reduce the
product's SPF and the protection you get. Be sure to cover often-missed spots: lips, ears, around eyes, neck, scalp if hair is thinning and hands.
Reapply at least every 2 hours, more often if some of the product may have been removed while sweating.
TIP #5: Cover up - a broad-brimmed hat goes a long way toward preventing skin cancer in often-exposed areas like the neck, ears, scalp, and
face. Opt for a 3-4 inch brim that extends all around the hat. Baseball caps and visors shade the face but leave neck, lower face, and ears
exposed. UV-blocking sunglasses with wraparound or large frames protect your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes, common sites
for skin cancer and sun-induced aging. Sunglasses also help reduce the risk of cataracts later in life.
TIP #6: Protect your children and teach them sun safety at an early age. Healthy habits are best learned by the young; because skin damage
occurs with each unprotected exposure and accumulates over the course of a lifetime, sun safety for children should be a priority.
TIP #7: In ice and snow wear a hat, sunscreen, lip balm, and slip on sunglasses to cut down the sun's reflection. This goes for children too!
TIP #8: Babies less than one year old should be kept out of the sun. Ask your paediatrician for more information.
TIP #9: Children under 18 should limit UV exposure because it increases their risk of skin cancer later in life.
TIP #10: Anyone who has had an organ transplant needs to be especially vigilant about managing sun exposure and its potential effects.
ENDS