Spot the spots day soon

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 477, 16 March 1993, Page 16

Spot the spots day soon

By

Alison

Anderson

Summer finally recently reached the Waimarino (on some days at least!) and many of us have been enjoying the sun's warmth and the suntan that goes with it. The bronzed image may make us feel good but what of the risks from repeated exposure to the sun, i.e. repeated exposure with little or no protection? The Waimarino Health Watch Committee is holding a melanoma spot check day on Saturday 27 March at the Ruapehu College

Hall. There will be doctors on hand on the day and a skin specialist to check any freckles, moles or spots that people wish to have checked. The doctors are giving their time voluntarily and the checks are free. It is important that parents protect their children from the sun's harsh rays at what is probably their most vulnerable point in life. Children are unable to control the level of sun exposure they get and with more sensitive skin they are more vulnerable to

burning and hence the risk of skin cancer in later life. The sun is strongest between 11.00am and 4.00pm. Seeking shelter is the best bet but if this is not possible the best form of protection for both adults and children is covering up with loose clothing and a hat; use a good sunscreen i.e. a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or more. Babies should be kept out of the sun wherever possible. Research shows that excess sun exposure in the first two

decades of life is a key factor in the development of melanoma in later life. New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Melanoma is common among younger people, particularly aged 20-39. If left untreated, it can be fa- * tal and more than 200 people die every year from it in New Zealand. Those most at risk are fair skinned people and anyone who gets sunburnt from time to time.

The Health Watch Committee encourages you and your family to go along on 27 March between 9.00am and 3.00pm to have any freckles, moles and spots checked out. Children can be checked too, so bring the whole family for your peace of mind. Watch next week's Bulletin for further details