AMONG the many aspects of health promotion which Ulster GAA undertakes, a key one is around cancer prevention, in particular skin cancer prevention.

Ulster GAA’s link with Cancer Focus NI over many years has afforded the opportunity to promote Care in the Sun at the Ulster Championship matches, summer camps and other key coaching events.

Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA), want to promote the importance of enjoying the sun safely. Their key message is that care in the sun is vital, whether at home or abroad, and in cool, cloudy weather as well as on brighter, sunny days.

Sunlight is important for our overall health and wellbeing. However, too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause damage to the skin and lead to skin cancer.

The most accurate way of knowing your risk of sun damage is the UV index. The UV index, developed by the World Health Organisation, has a scale of 0 -11+.

In Ireland the UV levels are often three or more, even on cool or cloudy days. When the UV index is three or more, the rays from the sun can be strong enough to damage our skin and eyes. Your skin is damaged by sun exposure over your lifetime, whether you burn or not.”

Tips to protect your skin from UV damage and reduce your risk of skin cancer:

– Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm.

– Cover up with suitable clothing.

– Wear a broad brim hat and sunglasses with 100 per cent UV protection.

– Use sunscreen SPF 30+ UVA 4-5 stars.

– Use the correct amount of sunscreen and reapply every two hours – an adult needs six teaspoons distributed evenly on the body with an SPF of at least 30 and 4-5 star UVA protection.

– Never allow your skin to burn.

– Don’t use sunbeds.

The National Cancer Control Programme has also been involved in the 26 counties, providing sunscreen dispensers to a number of clubs and county grounds, in order to promote the use of sunscreen while attending our club grounds.

Although not available to every club, any club can do their bit to promote skin cancer awareness by visiting their relevant agency:

Sun Smart: SunSmart campaign resources for professionals – HSE.ie.

Care in the Sun: www.careinthesun.org/uv.

On an individual level, we can find out the UV Index using mobile phone weather apps and the Met Éireann app. This should help us take the necessary precautions to take care in the sun.