Safety First when it Comes to the Summer Sun

Although we cannot see it, the rays of the sun go through our skin. This means if you are exposed to too much sun, this can damage your skin. This damage can be anything from sunburn, eye injuries, a lower immune system, and even skin cancer.

Who can get sunburn?

Anybody can get sunburnt. It does not matter how old you are. It also does not matter what colour your skin is.

It can take as little as 15 minutes in the sun, for damage to occur.

Even if it is cloudy, you can even still get sunburn.

Remember that the skin of children and babies is especially tender, so make sure they are fully covered in the sun.

How do I know if I have got sunburn?

• Your skin might feel very hot, itchy, tight and painful.
• You might even get blisters or your skin might start to peel.
• You might also find you are extremely thirsty, because you have become dehydrated and do not have enough water left in your body.

How can I treat sunburn?

Take a cool bath or apply a cool cloth to the skin.

• Apply aloe vera cream or gel.
• Make sure children do not peel or scratch the areas of their skin that are sunburnt.
• If the sunburn is more serious, ask your pharmacist for special medical creams that can help.
• If you have developed blisters or other marks because of your sunburn, you must go to a doctor for further help.

How can I protect myself from the sun?

Here are five important ways that you can protect yourself from the sun:

1. Wear sunscreen that is at least 30 SPF. 

• The SPF is the amount of protection that the cream will give you from the harmful rays of the sun. 
• If you are swimming, make sure the sunscreen you use is water-resistant. 
• You should reapply sunscreen every two hours. 

2. Wear a hat with, sunglasses and clothing that protect your face and body.

• Make sure your hat has a wide brim that covers all sides of your face and shoulders.
• Your sunglasses can look funky but make sure they are also marked as providing ‘100% UVA cover’.
• Wear a T-shirt to cover your shoulders and back in the sun. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your neck. If you are wearing shorts, don’t forget to apply sunscreen to the back of your knees.

3. Avoid being in the direct sun from between 11am to 4pm.

• This is when the sun is at its hottest and therefore its most dangerous.

4. Drink lots of water

• When you are in the sun for a long time, your body will lose a lot of water.
• Your body needs this water to work properly, so make sure you are constantly filling up on water.
• Remember drinking cooldrink or alcohol, does not count as taking in water. 

5. Sit in the shade

• If you are at the beach, make sure you sit under an umbrella.  
• Whenever you are outdoors, make sure you find shade such as under a tree, or a covered balcony.

Follow these tips and make sure you are sunny and safe at the same time!

With Legal&Tax you’re not alone

Remember, Legal&Tax Services HealthCare Plan is the companion to help protect your health in sunshine and in rain! Our plan offers access to telephonic nursing advice, emergency medical response and transport and much more. Find out more...