Sun protection is mandatory: action afternoons against UV radiation!

Sun protection is mandatory: action afternoons against UV radiation!

In the warm season, when the sun is high in the sky, many people are drawn to the outdoors, be it to relax in the outdoor pool or for sporting activities. But while we enjoy the sun, we should also be aware that it can bring not only joy but also health risks. This is shown by the current initiative of the Unterallgäu Health Department, which organizes action days to educate people about the dangers of UV radiation. Under the motto “Sun with sense – instead of sunburn”, these events take place in several outdoor swimming pools. One goal is to inform visitors about effective protective measures.

The first action afternoons start on Thursday, July 3rd, in the Mindelheim outdoor pool and continue until July 22nd. The exact dates for the action afternoons are: Wednesday, July 30th, in the Mindelheim outdoor pool, Wednesday, July 9th, in the Türkheim outdoor pool and Tuesday, July 22nd, in the Ottobeuren outdoor pool. The events take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and offer a varied program that includes both prevention tips for adults and hands-on activities for children and young people. At a time when climate change is increasing UV radiation, this offering is more important than ever.

Risks of UV radiation

The dangers of UV radiation are varied and far-reaching. According to the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), even short exposures can have health consequences that are often underestimated. Excessive exposure to the sun can not only cause sunburn, but can also increase the long-term risk of skin cancer. An increasing number of cases, particularly of non-melanoma skin cancer, are being identified in Europe - the rate has already doubled since 2000. Climate change also contributes to increasing UV exposure, as there are fewer clouds and therefore solar radiation is more intense.

The federal government also provides information about the influence of solariums on skin health. Solariums are a risk not only in midsummer, but also in the off-season. The European Code against Cancer therefore recommends avoiding excessive solar radiation and, in particular, protecting children from the sun. According to a report by the Krebsinformationsdienst, it is essential to raise public awareness of these risks.

Prevention measures and tips

The events as part of the action days offer an excellent opportunity to find out about preventative measures. The German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV) has pointed out that around seven million people in Germany are frequently exposed to UV radiation, especially when working outdoors. Protection against UV radiation must be the focus of both employers and employees. Simple protective measures such as wearing a sun hat and sunglasses and regularly applying sunscreen can also help protect yourself from dangerous rays.

In a community that actively addresses these issues, awareness of the risks of UV radiation can be raised. The “Clever in Sun and Shadow” campaign also offers free and advertising-free information material specifically for children and young people to help them deal with the sun more safely in a playful way.

Take advantage of the opportunity and attend one of the action afternoons. Find out about the risks and get the knowledge you need to stay healthy in the sun!