Do you have a family member with melanoma? Make your feelings known!
Having a family member with a serious illness such as melanoma is not easy for anyone. It can be useful to talk about your feelings to someone you respect and trust – if not one of your parents then an older brother or sister, another family member, a teacher, counsellor or a religious leader you know and respect.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about things you don’t understand or that are bothering you. Sometimes the most important questions such as, “will my mother, father, or sibling be ok?” are impossible to answer, but it’s good to ask and have a good talk about what is known and what is not known about your family member’s condition.
Protect Yourself – The 5 S’s of Sun Safety
Here are five simple ways to stay protected from the sun’s dangers:
Click here for a cool infographic!
Top 5 things to know about sun safety
Use sunscreen regularly and properly:
Use a good-quality UVA/UVB sunscreen, applied generously 30 minutes before going outside. Cover all exposed areas, including ears and feet, and repeat after several hours or after swimming or heavy sweating.
Limit outdoor time during peak sun hours:
Stay in the shade as much as possible and limit sun exposure during peak midday hours between 10 am and 4 pm.
Cover up:
Use clothes and hats as much as possible to cover up exposed skin while outside.
Clouds can fool you:
Just because it’s cloudy doesn’t mean the sun can’t harm you. Take precautions even when it’s cloudy, particularly if it’s thin cloud or alternating between sun and cloud.
It’s not just for summer:
The sun can also be damaging to your skin in cooler seasons, even in winter and especially when there is snow and ice to reflect sunshine. Take precautions all year round!
Frequently Asked Questions from Kids