With the warm weather here NHS Sefton together with Sefton Council’s Coast and Countryside Service is aiming to raise awareness of this year’s “Be Sunsible ” campaign and reduce the cases of sunburn and sun exposure going to A&E.

Every year in the UK more than 2,600 people die of skin cancer, this year’s campaign aims to help reduce these unnecessary deaths through awareness raising .

The two organisations are encouraging everyone who lives, visits and works in Sefton to be sensible in the sun.

Cathy Warlow, NHS Sefton’s Head of Health Promotion, said: “Nobody wants to spend the entire summer indoors, and some sunshine can be good for us, as it helps the body to create vitamin D. Sunshine also gives many of us a feeling of general wellbeing as we enjoy outdoor activities.

“Through our fantastic partnership working we are trying to educate people not to over-do it by staying out in the sun as it can lead to a range of skin problems, the most serious of which includes skin cancer. What we are saying is whether home or abroad it’s very important to take proper precautions especially when four out of five skin cancer cases can be prevented.”

Everyone is advised to follow the Be Sunsible “Shade” code:

S eek shade especially between 11 to 3pm when the sun is hottest

H ats on and UV sunglasses as well as covering up with tightly woven, loose fitting clothes

A pply sunscreen regularly, use Factor 15 or above for high protection

D on’t burn – it will damage your skin and won’t improve your tan

E xercise care – make sure you protect young people, babies and yourself if you work outdoors

Gordon White, Sefton Council’s Coast and Countryside Officer, said: “Every year we believe by raising awareness about this campaign we save lives. Too many people wrongly believe that they won’t get sunburnt or don’t need to take care because they aren’t abroad.  Visitors to the beaches, coast and countryside in Sefton should always make sure that they follow the Be Sunsible “SHADE” code. We are committed to help raise awareness and we want to help people protect themselves.”

For more information on the “Be Sunsible ” campaign contact NHS Sefton’s Health Promotion Team on 0151 247 7000 or visit www.sefton.nhs.uk or www.cancerresearchuk.org