A Soggy Summer Doesn’t Mean Safe Sunshine

14 August 2008

Cheshire and Merseyside’s on-off summer is putting families at greater risk of sunburn, health experts are warning.

Short periods of hot, sunny weather or days with intense sunny spells can be just as risky as a prolonged heatwave if proper precautions aren’t taken, said Dr Diana Forrest, chair of the group representing Cheshire and Merseyside’s eight Directors of Public Health.

“Most people are keen to enjoy any sunshine we’re lucky enough to see in our often soggy summers, but it’s important to treat it with respect however brief the sunny spells,” said Dr Forrest.

“The sun can be just as strong on a day out, working in the garden, watching sport or simply playing outside. It’s important we all remember to protect ourselves in these situations just as much as we would on holiday.”

Even overcast weather isn’t guaranteed protection from the sun’s ultra-violet rays.

“Cloud only blocks some of the sun's rays and, depending on the type and thickness of the cloud, it could stop as little as a third of the UV. You can easily burn worse on a cloudy day because you may not realise the danger,” said Dr Forrest.

She added that most people were aware of the short-term effects of too much sun – sunburn and heat stroke, for example – but the risk of skin cancer was a growing threat to health.

In the North West alone, more than 1,000 new cases of malignant melanoma (skin cancer) are recorded annually and the North West Cancer Intelligence Service estimates new cases will double in the next 10 years.

Furthermore, increasing numbers of younger people are being affected.

“Our message is not about keeping out of the sun – it’s about enjoying sunshine safely,” said Dr John Reid, Director of the Health Protection Agency’s Cheshire and Merseyside Health Protection Unit.

“We’re particularly concerned for the welfare of frail older people and young children, particularly babies. However, anyone who doesn’t take proper sun-safety measures is putting themselves at risk.”

The sun safety code in a nutshell is:

• Take care not to burn
• Cover up
• Seek shade
• Apply sunscreen generously
• Protect children
• Look out for the safety and wellbeing of older people

 

For further information contact either:

 

Tony Ellis, communications manager, ChaMPs Public Health Network,

Tel: 0151 488 7776

Mobile: 0771 993454

Email: tony.ellis@wirralpct.nhs.uk

 

Hugh Lamont, communications manager, Health Protection Agency, North West

Tel: 0151 482 5728

Mobile: 07764 906508

Email: hugh.lamont@hpa.org.uk

 

NOTES TO EDITORS

 

ChaMPs Public Health Network

ChaMPs is the public health network for Cheshire and Merseyside. It is building partnerships between primary care trusts, local authorities, NHS trusts and wider organisations to promote and protect public health and well-being, and develop capacity and capability in the public sector. For further information, telephone 0151 488 7776 or visit www.champs-for-health.net.

 

Sun facts

• Skin cancer is the commonest cancer in the UK
• 57,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with skin cancer each year.
• 7,000 of these cases are malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer
• The cause of skin cancer is nearly always over-exposure to ultra violet radiation – from the sun or from a sunbed.
• Ultraviolet radiation is at its strongest under a cloudless sky, but people can still burn on a cloudy day.

 

General Advice

• Slip, slap and slop. Apply sunscreen, and always use one with a factor of at least 15 and preferably higher.
• Make sure that babies and children are protected by sunscreen and a hat and that they have plenty of fluids when outside. Make sure they do not become overheated when inside.
• Avoid sunbathing and, if possible, travelling in the hottest times of the day, which are usually between 11.00am and 3.00pm.
• If travelling by car, take supplies of drinking water for the journey and ensure that children do not become overheated.
• Never leave children, or indeed pets for that matter, in cars that are parked in the sun.
• If it is necessary to be outside in the hottest times of the day, try to stay in the shade.
• Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton.
• Use sun glasses that offer 100 UV Protection for your eyes.
• Eat more cold foods when possible, particularly salads and fruit as they contain water.

 

Advice for hospital and residential care home staff

• Monitor room temperatures and do not allow them to rise above what is comfortable and safe for older people.
• Where there is no air conditioning, open windows to encourage the circulation of fresh air.
• If necessary, close blinds to keep out the heat of the sun
• Ensure that elderly residents have plenty of fluids and that they wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Ensure that they have access to cool showers, baths and face wipes.
• Encourage residents to eat salads and fruit.

 

Advice for parents and guardians

• Ensure that babies and young children have plenty of fluids and do not become overheated in the home.
• Babies and very young children should be wrapped in lightweight, light coloured clothes.
• Do not leave babies or young children unattended in the sunshine.
• If travelling by car, take supplies of drinking water for the journey and ensure that children do not become over-heated.
• Do not leave children in parked cars, which can become like ovens.

 

 

Ends

 

Last reviewed: 19 August 2008