HEALTH WATCH

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 272, 31 January 1989, Page 16

HEALTH WATCH

fingernails can scratch the ear canal. Do dry your ears thoroughly after swimming. Using a comer of your towel is best - gently dry all the water out. Do use properly inserted ear plugs for prolonged swimming or swimming under water. Ear plugs are available at your chemist, and your chemist will be very happy to advise you in the proper use of them. Do hold your nose when doing divebombs or jumping into the water to prevent water being forced up the nose, and into the Eu-

remember: slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat. Sunscreen is very important for everyone but particularly so for babies and very young children. Use a sun block with a sun protection factor of 15 to 23 for them. Older children and adults who have some tan can use sunscreen with a S.P.F. 6 to 15. Your chemist will advise you on the best type for your family skin types. Remember to apply it several times during the day, - don't forget you can bum on cloudy days as well. Adults who work outdoors should remember the risks of skin cancer and follow the above simple rules, as New Zealand has a very high incidence of skin cancer caused by prolonged exposure to the sun.

Carole

Harford,

Plunket Nurse and Eve Rush, Principal Nurse, Waimarino Hospital.