New Zealand is on the front lines when it comes to global ozone depletion. We're only slightly better off than Antarctica, which often has a looming ozone hole over it. Why does this matter? Well, think of ozone as another component in the planet's atmosphere that acts as a shield/filter against sunlight and UV (Ultraviolet) radiation. UV radiation is linked to skin cancer. When you get a tan from spending time in the sun, this is your body defending itself against further damage from UV radiation. Sun-damaged cells are more prone to mutate and become cancerous. Skin cancer is by far the most common cancer affecting New Zealanders, and over 300 Kiwis are dying from it every year.
The public has a tool to use in determining how severe the UV situation is before they go outdoors: The Ultraviolet Index. This is a measure of the Ultraviolet Radiation in the environment – the higher the Index, the higher your risk of skin damage and skin cancer. Anything from an Index of 6 and above means you require protection in the form of sunscreen (liberally applied) or clothing. Even better is to stay out of the sun altogether, which can be tough in a place as gorgeous as NZ. Suffice it to say we're not going to stay inside all the time, so those hats, properly-applied sunscreens, and extra clothes are a must.
Here's today's UV index for our town of Wellington: As you can see, Stacey and I will be (and have been) wearing lots of sunscreen.
Unfortunately, what's done is done (and I've been out in the Arizona sun plenty in my younger years) so it'a also prudent to know the signs of skin cancer and be diligent about getting anything suspicious checked out. Being conscious of this issue is important for us living Down Under, but it's something that is increasingly of relevance to those living in the Northern Hemisphere. So, in that spirit, here are a few links that may be of use to my loyal sunbasking readers:
http://www.sunsmart.org.nz/
http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/us/ultraviolet.html
http://www.skincancerguide.ca/prevention/sun_protection.html
1 comment:
Ah, yes, it did seem to come out like a PSA, didn't it? Not my intention. The UV thing is just a hot topic here as NZ gears up for the Summer, and consequently was on my mind. It takes a lot of discipline to remember to put the sunscreen on every morning, too.
No earthquake news that I am aware of...the don't seem to notice them unless it causes some real damage!
I could see you as Worf, yes. But you still made a better Data!
-W
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