Reducing your risk of having a primary melanoma, protecting your skin from the harsh UV rays, enhancing your immune system, and making the most of the body and mind you have are all ways to improve your health and wellbeing.
AUV is comprised of UVA and UVB. Using sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection is recommended.
The most effective way to prevent melanoma is to adopt sunsmart behaviours early in life. These behaviours should continue throughout life to minimise the risk of developing melanoma.
Preventative measures include:
When using sunscreen it is important to follow these guidelines:
Vitamin D is important for overall health and strong and healthy bones. Your body can make its own vitamin D from sunlight and it can also be obtained from supplements and some foods.
A small amount of sunlight is needed each week to activate our vitamin D. The amount of sun exposure required will vary by the time of year, skin type, age, body mass index and a number of other factors. The Australian recommendations are that when the ultraviolet (UV) index is less than 3, you do not need to protect yourself from the sun.
If you have marker for a vitamin D deficiency such as high levels of parathyroid hormone or soft bones your doctor may recommend a blood test to check your levels. Some people are deficient in vitamin D and may be advised to take supplements if levels are low.
Australian recommendations if you are under 70 years old and receive no sun exposure are that you should take 400 IU of supplementary vitamin D each day. If you are over 70 years old and receive no sun exposure, you should take 600 IU daily.
