How to stay SunSmart during lockdown

As COVID-19 continues to cause disruption and unease, many of us find ourselves juggling home-schooling and working from home.  

You may even find yourself heading outside on a more frequent basis to escape the monotony of lockdown. Whether you’re taking the kids outside to play, enjoying your lunch break outside, or exercising, sun protection remains as important as ever.  

Lockdown is continuing into early spring and although we’re still experiencing some cooler weather, ultraviolet (UV) radiation will reach levels high enough to damage our skin. In fact, in NSW, UV levels are high enough to cause damage to unprotected skin for most months of the year. 

Remember, sun damage is caused by UV radiation not heat. You can’t see or feel UV. A windy, cool, or cloudy day can have similar UV levels to a warm, sunny day. Whether you’re outside for 15 minutes or a few hours, you may be a risk.  

The simplest way to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to use sun protection when the UV index is 3 or above. Make sure to download the free SunSmart App to access daily UV levels and sun protection times for your location. 

Taking the kids outside to play? Parents and carers can create a sun safe environment at home by using UV levels to plan daily activities. A handy tip is to keep a broad-brimmed hat and SPF30+ (or higher), broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen by the door, ready for you and the kids to put on before heading outside. 

As a parent or carer, it is important to protect your own skin and role model sun protection behaviours for your children. These quick SunSmart activities are a good resource to educate kids about sun safety whilst also keeping them busy during home-schooling. 

Planning some exercise? Try to avoid being outdoors during peak UV times by exercising early in the morning or late in the afternoon.  

Whether you are going to the shops for the essentials, exercising, or you’re relaxing in your backyard, it’s important to be SunSmart when UV is 3 or above and make sure to SLIP SLOP SLAP SEEK SLIDE.