Sun Safety reminders!

There is no doubt that we have some of the best weather in the world, especially here in KwaZulu-Natal. The weather is awesome most of the year round and being outdoors, engaging in physical activity whilst reducing stress and getting one’s daily dose of Vitamin D, is enjoyed by many locals and visitors alike.

One can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun.

Taking precautions is always best, by applying sunscreen, protective clothing and avoiding the midday sun if, and when, possible.

As the saying goes, only “mad dogs and English men” venture out when the UV rays are at their strongest and are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from sun, tanning beds and sunlamps. Remember, even on cloudy days, the sun reflects off water, cement, sand and even snow.

Too much sun is dangerous…Sunburn is a sure sign, and if you had to look at burnt skin under a microscope, you get to see the damage caused. When you have repeated sun damage, your skin goes all dry, crinkly, and leathery. The skin gets weaker and you can bruise and get cuts easily.

However, the sun’s most serious threat is that it is the major cause of skin cancer, which is now the most common of all cancers. Doctors believe that most skin cancers can be avoided by preventing sun damage.

There are easy steps to take when protecting yourself and Sean Granger, Granny Mouse Country House & Spa’s GM, would like to remind visitors to the Mouse House of some fool proof tips & tricks that we all should be aware of to help combat against the harmful rays of the sun:

• Reduce your risk by staying in the shade, using an umbrella and taking shelter.
• Wear that total block out sunscreen – check out the SP factor, nothing less than 50 – and reapply regularly. Everyone who spends time outdoors should use sunscreen, including those who tan easily, fair skinned people, as well as dark skinned people. Apply at least 20 minutes before heading out and, if in water, apply every time you get out.

Interestingly many base creams in make-up have some SPF protection, but not enough to not apply sun block. If you are allergic to specific ingredients, check the contents on the label and chat to your local dermatologist, who will be able to provide you with options that won’t aggravate your precious skin.

Protective clothing is also a good idea. If you don’t own any, wear a t-shirt or a tightly woven fabric that offers really good protection. You can even get clothing that is certified offering UV protection – lighter coloured clothing helps too.

Don’t forget the hat, preferably one with a wide brim so it provides shade for your face, ears and back of your neck. If one wears a cap, remember to apply sunscreen to the unprotected areas.

Sunglasses, while being fashionable, also help protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.

So when next visiting the “mouse house”, be prepared, and enjoy your stay without the burn.