Blog

Stay SunSmart All Year Round

18
Aug

In recent weeks, we’ve been super lucky with our fabulous sunny weather. The sunshine brightens all our moods and encourages us to get outdoors. Unfortunately though, this glorious weather is not without its concerns, the annual SunSmart campaign, which runs from April through September, highlights some of the dangers associated with sun exposure and raises awareness about how we can protect ourselves from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Understanding UV Rays:

One of the best ways to protect yourself is to check the UV index daily. This information is readily available on the home screen of many smartphones or can be found by doing a quick Google search.

The UV index indicates how strong the sun’s ultraviolet rays are on any given day. When the UV index is 3 or above, it’s important to take extra precautions to protect your skin.

In Ireland, the UV index typically reaches 3 or higher between April and September, even when the sky is cloudy. The sun’s rays are usually strongest between 11am and 3pm, so those are the hours when we need to be most cautious.

While the period from April to September carries the highest risk, it’s important to remember that UV protection is necessary year round, particularly for those who work or spend extended time outdoors.

 

Who Is Most at Risk?

Everyone should protect their skin from UV radiation, no exceptions. However, some people are more vulnerable to sun damage and skin cancer, including those who:

  • Spend a lot of time outdoors, either for work or recreation
  • Had excessive sun exposure or sunburns in childhood or teenage years
  • Take medicines that suppress their immune system
  • Have a family history of skin cancer
  • Have fair skin that burns easily, green or blue eyes, red or blonde hair, or lots of freckles or moles

 

How to Protect Yourself: The SunSmart 5S Rule

The Health Service Executive (HSE) encourages everyone to follow the SunSmart 5S rule Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide to protect your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays.

  1. Slip on clothing that covers your skin.
  2. Slop on sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for adults and SPF 50 for children. Apply it 20 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
  3. Slap on a wide brimmed hat to shield your face, ears, and neck from the sun.
  4. Seek shade during peak UV hours, whenever possible.
  5. Slide on UV protective wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes. Check the label of sunglasses you are buying to ensure they provide UV protection.

I’ve got the hat and sunscreen part down, especially when I’m out for a walk or a run, but I know I need to get better at a few of the other steps! I’m a work in progress 😊 Join me in doing a little better each day to protect your skin. Your future self will be glad you did! 😎

by Maria Kelly, Modig Corporate Services Ltd.