CANCER Council Australia has developed a general guide to getting the right balance of sun and shade.
It is important to have a balance of sun protection in order to minimise the long term risk of developing skin cancer, yet get enough sun to maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
The sun’s ultraviolet radiation is both the major cause of skin cancer and the best source of vitamin D, which keeps bones and muscles strong and healthy.
Two out of three Australians will develop some form of skin cancer before the age of 70.
While sensible sun protection will not cause vitamin D deficiency, there are some instances when it is safe to leave the hat off. Most people will achieve adequate vitamin D levels through incidental sun exposure during outdoor activities.
In summer, a few minutes of sun exposure to the skin will suffice, while winter will require about 2 to 3 hours of sunlight to the skin, spread over a week.
Sun protection for locations on Australia’s eastern seaboard is recommended between August and May, while not seen as necessary for June and July due to low UV levels.
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