With the festive season well and truly over, it is time for everyone to get back to the sporting fields.
Whether swimming, cricket, lawn bowls, or any other sport, 2024 will see thousands of people participating in or viewing sports.
However, while watching sports may be fun, protecting oneself from the effects of the sun and heat is essential.
According to the Cancer Council in Australia, one in eight adults and one in five teenagers are sunburnt on an average summer weekend.
Sunburn can happen despite it being an overcast day, and repeated sunburn can increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
It has been found that 95 per cent of melanomas, the most deadly form of skin cancer, are caused by exposure to UV radiation.
Heat stroke, which in its worst form, is life-threatening, is all a risk when participating in or watching sports.
Ambulance Victoria recommends people to take the following steps to beat the heat and stay safe in summer:
- Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly throughout the day.
- Keep cool by using air conditioning and fans whenever possible.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen, and avoid being out at the hottest time of day.
- Heat can cause illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Heat stroke is life-threatening yet is entirely preventable.
- Those most at risk are elderly people, young children and those with medical conditions.
- Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms such as confusion, seizures, collapsing or loss of consciousness, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Australian Skin Cancer Foundation is running free skin cancer checks at Cobram’s Federation Park via a travelling bus on Monday, February 5.
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