SUNCARE

What is it?

Approximately two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer at some point in their lifetime. Educating our children around effective suncare plays a huge role in preventing the disease with researching confirming that sunburn can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.¹

Sunburn may occur in just minutes on a sunny day and can cause extreme discomfort and pain. It is also important to note that, especially in Australia, you are exposed to the sun even on cloudy days. It is important that you always apply sunscreen, not only on children but on yourself.

Follow the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide rule

• SLIP on protective clothing, covering as much skin as possible
• SLOP on SPF 50+ sunscreen
• SLAP on a hat
• SEEK shade
• SLIDE on sunglasses

Hydration

Dehydration can become an issue for children when large volumes of water and salt are lost as a result of vigorous exercise, prolonged exposure to hot weather or from diarrhoea and vomiting.

Signs of dehydration include:

• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Excessive thirst
• Lack of, decreased amount of, or dark yellow urine
• Fatigue and inability to concentrate

Treating Dehydration

Small and regular sips of water are recommended to ease dehydration. You can also use oral rehydration fluids as recommended by your GP or Guardian pharmacist.

Be sure to see your doctor if your child is not improving or you are concerned, as dehydration can be serious or even life-threatening.

Tip: Oral rehydration solutions should be given in preference over soft drinks, fruit juices or sports drinks as they are specifically formulated to help replacing lost fluids, salts and electrolytes.

^{1 www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-camcer/skin-cancer.html}

AUSTRALIA HAS ONE OF THE HIGHEST RATES OF SKIN CANCERS IN THE WORLD AND YET AT LEAST 95% OF THESE CANCERS ARE PREVENTABLE**

^{Source: *ITI in home panel 2016 **Garbutcheon-Singh K, Dixit S, Lee A, Brown P, Smith S. Assessment of attitudes towards sun-protective behaviour in Australians: A cross-sectional study. Australas J Dermatol. 2016;57(2):102-7 ***Cancer Council Australia. Skin Cancer www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-camcer/skin-cancer.html. Updated 05/08/16}