It’s been a scorcher of a summer around the Riverina this year, and there’s still one month to go.
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If you’re thinking of braving the heat and heading out into the sunshine to make the most of the blue skies, the Cancer Council has helped provide us with a list of top 10 ways to be sun safe and enjoy a (mostly!) risk-free summer.
1. Dress the part
Exposed skin is the biggest threat to our sensitive bodies, and the Cancer Council said the first step to staying safe is to slip on clothing that covers your shoulders, arms and legs. Choose shirts with collars, high necks and sleeves, and trousers or longer shorts and skirts that come below the knees. Fashion is your friend, personalise your summer look safely.
2. Lather up
Slop on some sunscreen and don’t be afraid to rock the slick look. The Cancer Council said to ensure you use SPF30+ or higher broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen. Apply generously 20 minutes before going outside and re-apply every 2 hours, but never rely on sunscreen alone.
3. Accessorise
Hats have never gone out of fashion, so slap on a broad-brimmed hat that protects your face, ears and neck to add to your summer look. Broad-brimmed, bucket and legionnaire style hats provide good protection, and avoid caps for thorough coverage.
4. Throw shade
No one likes to be dripping in sweat, so the Cancer Council recommend seeking shade whenever you can, especially when UV levels are highest between 10am and 2pm (11am and 3pm during daylight saving).
5. Shades on
Not only do sunnies make for a good outfit addition, the right pair can protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them. Te Cancer Council said to make sure you’r sliding on sunglasses that meet Australian Standard AS1067, and a pair that fit your face well.
6. Stay in the loop
The Cancer Council urge everyone to get regular skin checks and understand that everyone reacts differently to environmental influences.
7. Know the conditions
In the thick of summer, it’s easy to get carried away with those rare, cooler days and try and make the most of being outside when it’s not sweltering, but the Cancer Council suggest always protecting your skin when UV levels are 3 (moderate) and above.
8. Get tech savvy
The cancer Council have an app called SunSmart to keep you safe – the app tells you when sun protection is recommended for your location using forecast information from the Bureau of Meteorology website and live UV data from ARPANSA.
9. Eat up
While it may be hard to resist eating a whole box of ice blocks on a hot summer’s day, a healthy diet can be key to sun safety. The Cancer Council said to eat things like fruit, legumes and vegetables, and try to limit alcohol intake and sugary drinks. If you do choose to drink, they recommend you follow the National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines and limit your intake to two standard drinks a day.
10. Thirsty work
Keep sipping all day, everyday to give yourself the best chance of a healthy summer body. The Cancer Council said to make sure you drink lots of water, especially when you’re active throughout the day, and stay hydrated.