Snags sizzling on the BBQ, fresh-cut grass and a hint of sunscreen.
Australia is the sunniest continent on earth.
Whatever the season – summer, winter, autumn or spring – we’re blessed with the kind of weather that makes Australia the envy of others; famous for our affinity with the great outdoors.
Unfortunately, we’ve also got one of the world’s highest incidences of skin cancer – around two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer before they’re 70.
Sun damage: A year-round concern
Just because it’s not summer, doesn’t mean you can stop with the slip, slop, slap, seek and slide.
That’s because sun damage is not linked to high temperatures or clear skies. It’s caused by ultra violet radiation (UVR).
There are two types of UVR: direct UVR which comes directly from the sun, and diffuse UVR, which is scattered by reflective surfaces and the atmosphere.
Factors that influence UVR include solar elevation, ozone thickness, cloud cover, ground surface reflectivity and altitude.
As such, UVR can be dangerous, even on cool, windy or cloudy days when it reflects off the bottom of clouds.
A good way to keep an eye on your risk of sun damage is to check the UV index in your local area.
Any reading above three means you should slip on sun protective clothing, slop on SPF30+ sunscreen, slap on a broad-brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses.
Protect yourself
Unfortunately, taking preventative measures today won’t protect you from that time you fell asleep on the beach in 2003 and your entire back blistered and peeled.
Or that road trip when your hands and the tops of legs were burnt through the windscreen.
For those instances, Lifetime Protection can protect you in the event you’re diagnosed with skin cancer down the track.
