Be SunSmart as sunny weather shines into weekend
AS TEMPERATURES soar to 22 degrees this weekend, the team at Tallaght University Hospital is encouraging everyone to be sun smart.
People are encouraged to be smart and to protect their skin from the sun as warm temperatures bring us outdoors.
The hospital has advised people to follow the five easy steps of national awareness campaign, SunSmart.
The five SunSmart S’s are…
Slip on clothing
Slop on sunscreen
Slap on a broad-brim hat
Seek shade
Slide on sunglasses
The HSE, along with Healthy Ireland and other nationwide partners, work together in supporting people to protect their skin through the SunSmart campaign.
This campaign aims to increase awareness of the steps people can take to protect their skin and their family’s – reducing the risk of skin cancer Ireland.
Professor Anne Marie Tobin, a Consultant Dermatologist in Tallaght University Hospital (TUH), has encouraged everyone to cover up and wear sunscreen.
Dermatologist Anne Marie Tobin and nurse Michelle Dolan
“Cover up and wear sunblock”, Prof Tobin said.
“Remember the back of the hands and the back of the ears as well, these areas can be missed and are the most exposed.
“At least factor 30 for adults and 50 for children, with a high star rating…chat to your pharmacist if you have any questions.
“Stay out of the real hot sun between 11am and 3pm… and no sunbathing.”
According to Prof Tobin, around 30 people are referred by their GP to the skin cancer clinics at TUH each week.
She advises that sunscreen should be worn in Ireland for six months of the year – from April 1 to the end of September.
“Taking care of your skin is really important,” she said.
“Skin cancer is rising and is expected to double nationally by 2045.
“Even on a cloudy day, there is significant radiation [UV] at ground level to cause damage to your skin.”
For further details on being SunSmart, for both children and adults, visit the HSE’s website HERE.
Follow Tallaght University Hospital on Facebook for advice and information too.
