Stay out of the sun and stay safe

This week Ateeb Waqar, 14

Ateeb asks: What's the best way to protect myself from the sun?

Wynnie says: Sunburn increases our chances of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

The World Health Organisation estimates that as many as 65,161 people a year worldwide die from too much sun, mostly from malignant skin cancer.

According to the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, there were 619 new cases of skin cancer in Hong Kong in 2005. Sunburn increases our chances of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Sunlight contains both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. These pass deep into our skin. UVA rays causes wrinkles and age spots while UVB rays are responsible for sunburns.

Make it a daily habit to apply sunscreen to your face and exposed areas of your skin at least 15 minutes before you leave for school in the morning - even if you're not going to spend time in the sun.

Although UVB rays can't pass through windows, UVA rays can. Even on cloudy days, 80 per cent of the sun's UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so you need to be protected.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends generously applying a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or if you sweat heavily.

Wear long sleeves, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors, and stay in the shade between 10am and 4pm when the sun is strongest.

Check your birthday suit on your birthday. Look out for any new marks or growths on your body, and see a dermatologist if anything new appears.

Don't forget to protect your eyes. Experts from the American Optometric Association say overexposure to the sun's UV rays can increase your chances of developing blurred vision, redness, tearing and permanent loss of vision. Teens and children spend more time outdoors than adults, so are more likely to suffer from eye damage.

The American Optometric Association suggests wearing protective eyewear any time your eyes are exposed to UV radiation, even on cloudy days and during the winter.

Sunglasses should block out 99 per cent of UVA and UVB radiation and screen out 75-90 per cent of visible light.

Grey lenses reduce light-intensity without changing the colour of objects and provide the most natural colour vision.

Ateeb's diary

Breakfast: Omelette and toast; milk or mixed fruit juice

Lunch: Spinach and meat with rice; water

Dinner: Spaghetti and meatballs; water

Snack: Apple, watermelon or papaya milkshake

Exercise: Push-ups and sit-ups, yoga and swimming