Sun Safe Presentation for Sticky Fingers Staff.
Sun Safe Nursery Accreditation • Each year at Sticky Fingers Pre-School we will complete the requirements of the Sun Safe Accreditation. • The following slides provide information for practitioners about Sun safety and how we can teach the children and support families with this information.
In addition to putting us at risk for skin cancer, over exposure to the UV rays of the sun can cause other serious health effects such as: *Premature aging of the skin… when skin ages early, becomes wrinkled, sagging or has a leathery look. *Damage to the eyes- Not only can the sun cause sensitivities to light but UVA radiation can damage the cornea and cause cataracts. *Weakening of the immune system- UV radiation lowers the body’s ability to fight against bacteria and viruses. This effect is called immunosuppression. UV rays emitted from the sun can cause damage to our skin but also to other parts of our body. Its important to remember that the damage from the sun is cumulative, it adds up. While the redness from a sunburn may fade within a few days, the damage remains.
• There are two types of UV rays from the sun that reach the earth and can penetrate our skin. Because we can’t see UV rays it’s easy to forget that they are present and are a risk. • UVA rays are a longer wavelength. This means that they can penetrate deeper into our skin Ultraviolet damaging underlying tissue and their strength is consistent throughout the day. Radiation • UVB rays are a shorter wavelength which (UV Rays) results in them being less intense in the morning and later in the day. UVB rays are responsible for reddening (burning) of the skin. The UVB rays are strongest between 11a.m. and 4 p.m. which is why limiting sun exposure during this time of day is encouraged.
Sun Safety & Skin Cancer • Unlike some cancers where the cause is unknown, sun exposure is the main environmental cause of skin cancer. • The UV radiation from the sun is a known carcinogen – meaning that it causes cancer – skin cancer. The most significant preventable risk factor for developing skin cancer is exposure to the sun’s UV rays. • Over exposure to sunlight in childhood is a key determinant of skin cancer risks in adulthood. • Reducing overexposure and protecting against severe or multiple sunburns in childhood may reduce the risk of skin cancer in adulthood. • Visit www.skcin.org for more information.
Skin Cancer
Effective sun protection includes wearing clothing to protect the skin…clothing acts as a physical barrier, blocking UV rays. Choosing clothing that covers as much skin as possible is optimal. Remember that: • Clothing with a tighter weave allows less UV rays to penetrate through the clothing. • Darker colours absorb more of the UV rays than lighter clothing- a green shirt offers a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 10 while a white offers a UPF of 7. • Choosing lightweight material is important in the summer. Clothing that allows ventilation and keeps you cool such as cotton or linen works well. • The condition of the clothing also matters. Stretched clothing allows more UV rays to pass through and a wet garment loses up to 50% of its protective ability.
Hats • 90% of skin cancers occur on parts of the body that are chronically exposed to the sun….such as our face, necks, ears…..choosing a wide brimmed hat that covers the back of the neck, the nose and full face will offer the best protection. • While baseball hats and visors may provide some shade to the eyes and face - they do not offer complete protection…and do not cover the whole face, ears or the back of the neck…that is why a wide brimmed hat such as a bucket hat is strongly recommended. Another style of hat called the legionnaire-style hat has fabric attached to the back of the hat that covers the neck. This is what we suggest for children.
Sunscreen • When choosing a sunscreen check to see that it offers both UVA and UVB protection, This is sometimes referred to as “broad spectrum” protection. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) recommendations may vary a little bit from one organization to another. Use of a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 for those spending long periods outdoors is the most common recommendation. • The application of adequate amounts of sunscreen product is important to ensure that the full protection listed on the label is provided. It has been shown that most people use about half of the amount actually needed to give them the protection factor listed on the sunscreen bottle. • Ensure the sunscreen is waterproof and is nonirritating. • Sunscreen products lose their effectiveness over time. Check the “best before” date when purchasing a sunscreen product or using a product that you have had for awhile. • Many sunscreen products must be applied 20 – 30 minutes before going outdoors.
Teaching the children • The first week of Summer term each year will be based around Sun Safe. • We will introduce the children to George the sun safe Superstar story. • Sing the Slip, slop, slap song daily, reminding the children of keeping safe in the sun. • Staff will act as role models to the children. • Activities will be based around sun safety. • An activity booklet will go out with each child to complete.
George the sun safe superstar
Informing Parents & Carers • During the first week of summer term we will send out a Sun Safe information sheet to our families. • This will point them in the direction of our website and the Skcin.org website for more information about keeping safe in the sun. • They will be given a copy of our Weather policy which is reviewed annually.
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