Find a healthy balance between enjoying the beneficial effect of the sun and protecting yourself, writes PHYL CLARKE
HAVE YOU noticed a mood of positivity in the air recently? The recent spell of good weather has had an uplifting effect on our spirits, and it’s not all in our heads.
The positive psychological effects of sunlight are well known – it reduces stress and depression by prompting the release of endorphins which result in an improved sense of wellbeing.
On the flip side, the lack of sunshine during long, dark winters can result in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is now a recognised clinical condition.
When our skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, it triggers our bodies to produce vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, which helps maintain healthy bones and muscles.
Foods such as oily fish and eggs contain small amounts of vitamin D, while some dairy spreads and milk have it added to them. Supplements can also be taken to help with vitamin D levels.
Minister for Health James Reilly attended the recent launch of La Roche Posay’s SOS Save our Skin Campaign, which starts with the designation of May as Melanoma Awareness Month.
“Many Irish people believe that the sun in Ireland is not as damaging as the sun in hot countries we visit on our holidays. As a consequence, they don’t take the same care at home as they do when they are on holidays,” says Dr Reilly.
“We need to get rid of this belief. The sun burns and can damage our skin no matter where we are when being exposed, and we need to protect ourselves against its harmful rays.
“Irish people are particularly susceptible to skin cancer because so many of us have pale skin. On average, over 700 people in Ireland are diagnosed with invasive melanoma skin cancer every year and yet research shows that up to 90 per cent of all skin cancers are preventable.”
The findings of its recent survey on the sun behaviour and attitudes of Irish adults reveal some alarming statistics:
32 per cent of those surveyed never use sun protection in Ireland, believing that the sun here “isn’t that strong” as in other countries.
Four out of 10 believed that 25 degree sun in Spain is stronger and more damaging than 25 degree sun in Ireland.
Almost 40 per cent did not know the effects of and damage caused by UVA and UVB rays.
Supporters of the awareness campaign also include the Eccles Clinic in Dublin, where on Wednesday, May 25th, free surgical support will be offered to the SOS Save Our Skin campaign. Patients without health insurance who have been assessed by their GP and considered appropriate for referral will be seen free. To be considered, the referral must reach the clinic by letter, fax (01-8303296) or e-mail (info@ecclesclinic.ie) by May 16th, and is subject to appointment availability.
The campaign includes a public health website, sossaveourskin.ie, containing information about early screening for skin cancer.
People can assess their personal risk level, learn about safety in the sun and checking moles.
THE STATS: SKIN CANCER IN IRELAND
More than 8,000 cases, including invasive melanoma and non-melanoma, were diagnosed in 2009, which is a 41 per cent increase in the past 10 years. People are also being diagnosed at a younger age.
66 per cent of Irish people have a higher risk of developing skin cancer because of their skin type.
We receive 80 per cent of sun damage before the age of 20, so protection of children is vital.
In Ireland, one in every eight men and one in every 10 women will develop skin cancer by age 74.
THE ADVICE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
All about UV
UV rays come in two forms – UVA and UVB. UVA rays make up more than
90 per cent of the sun's rays. They have a longer wavelength than UVB, allowing them to reach deeper within the skin. They pass through cloud, glass and water. These rays are responsible for ageing of the skin and play a role in the development of skin cancer. UVB rays do not penetrate skin so deeply: they cause the skin to burn, cause eye damage and also play a role in the development of skin cancers.
Know your moles
Look out for any lumps, growths or changes to existing moles, and also be vigilant about monitoring moles in general. Any changes should be discussed with a dermatologist or your doctor. These may be the early signs of skin cancer and early detection is vital for successful treatment.
Don't forget
When you're out in the sun, chances are you'll be wearing sunglasses. You can increase your protection by choosing close-fitting, wraparound styles. Look out for glasses carrying the European CE standard. Wearing a broad-brimmed hat (left) should shade your face, head, ears and neck. Staying in the shade, out of the direct sun, can reduce your overall exposure to UV radiation by up to 75 per cent.
