Latest news with #SunSmart5S
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
New ‘exercise caution' warning amid Met Eireann heatwave alert with 29C scorcher temps & ‘drop our guard' fears
IRISH road users have been warned to "exercise caution" this weekend as scorching temperatures take hold across the country. Temperature warnings are in place across Ireland this weekend as Met Eireann predicts blistering Advertisement 2 Yellow weather warnings have been issued for every county across Ireland this Saturday, ahead of scorching 29C temperatures Credit: Meteologix A The heat will likely have many outside looking to soak up the sun. However, the RSA is advising road users to be aware of the dangers posed by glare. Sun glare can cause drivers and pedestrians to become temporarily disoriented and blinded and can result in serious road accidents. Advertisement MOST READ IN IRISH NEWS For drivers, they advise wearing sunglasses, staying hydrated and watching out for vulnerable individuals such as pedestrians, cyclists and Pedestrians and those on bikes are advised to be aware of the danger posed by glare, especially at junctions and to use plenty of sunscreen when outside. According to the organisation: "Summertime is the most dangerous time of the year on our roads. In the summer, when there are no obvious dangers, and the weather is fine and days are brighter, we drop our guard." The Advertisement MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN They explain that most people living in Ireland have fair skin, which burns easily, and so are at high risk of UV damage and Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy explained: "Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland with around 11,000 new cases per year." SHADES AND SUNSCREEN She said: "Young people in particular need be extra vigilant when out and about this summer as one can be 2-4 times more likely to develop melanoma in later life if severely sunburned three or more instances before the age of 20. "Reducing rates of skin cancer is a significant part of our drive to improve overall population health, and this starts by instilling good skin protection behaviours among our children and youth." Advertisement The HSE recommends using the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5S's to protect your skin from the sun. That being, slip on clothing, slop on sunscreen, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses. 2 The RSA and HSE have issued safety alerts to the public ahead of killer weekend temperatures Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Agriland
19-06-2025
- Health
- Agriland
Farmers need to be ‘sun smart' to reduce skin cancer risk
With the sunny weather forecast in the coming days, the Health Service Executive (HSE) National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland are reminding people that sun safety is not just for trips abroad. The sun can be strong enough to cause sun damage from the start of April to the end of September in Ireland, according to the HSE. Whether you're out in the fields, heading to the beach, grabbing a coffee or relaxing in the garden, it is important to use sun protection each day between April to September, even on cloudy days. Minister of State for public health, wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor said: 'Being active outdoors is good for our health and wellbeing, but everyone needs to be aware that exposure to the sun can be very harmful if we're not appropriately protected. 'I am encouraging everyone to take action to enjoy the sun safely and reduce their risk of skin cancer. It's very simple, just follow the five Healthy Ireland SunSmart steps whether you're at home or abroad. Your skin will thank you for it.' Skin cancer risk To reduce skin cancer risk, it is important to protect your skin when outside, especially from April to September when UV rays from the sun are strongest. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases annually. Yet in most cases, skin cancers could be prevented, according to the HSE. Data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) show that over 1,200 cases of melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer, are diagnosed in Ireland every year. This figure is projected to rise to over 3,000 cases per year by 2045. Specialist in public health medicine at the HSE's NCCP, Dr. Breeda Neville said: 'Melanoma skin cancer is strongly linked to intermittent, high-intensity UV radiation exposure which can occur during outdoor recreational activities like sunbathing or water sports, or if you use a sunbed. 'The more time you spend unprotected in the sun, the more UV damage your skin is exposed to which increases your risk of skin cancer, including the deadliest form – melanoma. Follow the SunSmart 5 S's whether at home or abroad this summer.' Almost nine in 10 cases of skin cancer could be prevented by following the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S's to protect your skin: Slip on clothing that covers your skin such as, long sleeves, collared t-shirts; on clothing that covers your skin such as, long sleeves, collared t-shirts; Slop on sunscreen – use sunscreen with SPF 30+ for adults and 50+ for children which provides high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Reapply regularly; on sunscreen – use sunscreen with SPF 30+ for adults and 50+ for children which provides high UVA protection and is water-resistant. Reapply regularly; Slap on a wide brimmed hat; on a wide brimmed hat; Seek shade – sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight; – sit in the cover of trees to avoid direct sunlight. Use a sunshade on your buggy or pram. Keep babies and children out of direct sunlight; Slide on wraparound sunglasses. As well as the 5 S's the HSE has said that it is important to remember not to deliberately try to get a suntan. Avoid getting a sunburn and never use a sunbed. Patient advocate for the 2025 SunSmart campaign, Jacinta O'Brien is raising awareness of the importance of skin protection: 'I was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer when I was 38. I've had three surgeries, targeted treatment, immunotherapy and radiotherapy. 'While I feel that I was quite safe with the sun obviously being fair skinned, I do know that in my early 20s I was at many concerts and festivals and days out where I probably wasn't as good as I should be in applying sunscreen. 'When you're younger you think you're invincible and you don't think it's ever going to be you. You don't need to have prolonged exposure to the sun to get skin cancer. 'It's so important to sit in the shade where possible, cover up with clothing and apply sunscreen on exposed skin to protect yourself even when you do think it may be overcast.'
