Be Safe in the Sun
Listening to talk-back radio this morning got me thinking about the risks we face as we go about our activities in the great outdoors.
Australia has the World's highest incidence of skin cancer with 1 in every 2 Australians expected to suffer some form of skin cancer during their life time. In Queensland, the "Sunshine State", this incidence increases to 2 out of every 3 people.
Those of use who were around in the seventies may remember the "Slip, Slop, Slap" advertising campaign and at educating us about the risks of sun exposure. "Slip on a shirt, Slop on some sunscreen, and Slap on a hat."
Skin cancers may take years to develop and damage to your skin from thirty years ago may only now be showing in the form of skin cancers.
The latest statistics show that we are tending to take the appropriate precautions during our leisure activities, but are more complacent at home with activities like gardening leading to sunburn.
As kayakers we have to contend not only with direct sun exposure, but also with UV rays reflected from the water and our kayaks. While I'm unlikely to make the pages of the fashion magazines, my own kayaking apparel includes a long-sleeved shirt, a "Goodridge Suncare" hat, sunglasses with polarising lenses, and "UVeto" sun safe gloves. I also always carry and use SPF30+ sunblock.
These, or similar products can be purchased from the Queensland Cancer Fund.
Further information about skin cancers and sun safety can be found at Save Your Skin.
Disclaimer
This article is not medical advice, but is only intended to raise your awareness of some of the risks we all face. If you have any concerns you should consult a qualified health professional.