CC_Victoria_CMYK.eps

From May to August in Victoria, average UV levels are below three. That’s when it’s time to get some winter sun for vitamin D. During these months sun protection is only needed when in alpine areas, near highly reflective surfaces such as snow or if outdoors for extended periods.

VITAMIN D The sun is the best natural source of vitamin D.

From September to April, most people with fair to olive skin need a few minutes of sun exposure to the face, arms and hands (or equivalent area of skin) in the morning or afternoon to help with their vitamin D levels. Children and families with naturally very dark skin need three to six times this exposure level.

From May to August in Victoria, when UV levels are usually low, people with fair to olive skin need two to three hours of sun exposure to the face, arms and hands (or equivalent area of skin) across the week to help with their vitamin D levels. Children and families with naturally very dark skin, need three to six times this exposure level.

If you are concerned about vitamin D levels see your doctor for advice.

April 2012

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?Call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 or visit sunsmart.com.au. You can also speak to your doctor, community health worker or maternal and child health nurse.

SUNSMART – A HEALTHY UV BALANCEA good balance of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is important for health. Too much of the sun’s UV can cause sunburn, tanning, skin and eye damage and skin cancer. Overexposure to UV during childhood and adolescence is a major factor in future skin cancer risk. That’s why it is especially important to keep children well protected when UV levels are three and above.

Too little UV from the sun can lead to low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is necessary for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and muscles, and for general health. So it’s important to get some sun exposure when the UV is below three for vitamin D.

SUNSMART UV ALERTYou can see visible light (sunlight) and feel infrared radiation (heat), but you cannot see or feel UV radiation. UV can be high even on cool and overcast days, so don’t rely on clear skies or high temperatures to determine when you need to protect yourself from the sun.

The SunSmart UV Alert is the best tool to help you know when to use sun protection. It indicates when UV levels are forecast to reach three and above (the level UV can start to do some damage). It also shows the times UV levels will be below three so you know when it’s safe to get some sun for vitamin D.

The SunSmart UV Alert is available in the weather section of the newspaper, at sunsmart.com.au or as a free smart phone app.

In Victoria average UV levels are three and above from September to the end of April. That’s when it’s important to use the SunSmart Countdown and Slip! Slop! Slap! Seek! Slide! whenever you go outside.

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