Be SunSmart this Spring

By Kristen Beardsmore, Health Promotion/Projects Team Leader

Now that the weather is starting to heat up and we spend more time outside, remember to prepare for warmer weather.

Be aware that older people, children, and people with some health conditions can be especially vulnerable to heat.

This can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke if not addressed quickly.

Things to remember when it’s hot outside:

• Stay hydrated – drink extra water on warm days. If drinking alcohol over the holidays, alternate with water in between drinks.

• Use a cool face cloth on the back of the neck to help cool yourself.

• If exercising, try to do so early morning or later in the evening when it is cooler.

It’s also never too late to be SunSmart and protect our skin and eyes from sun damage. Protect yourself all year round when you are:

• in the mountains or on the water

• around reflective surfaces like concrete, water, and sand

• or have a health condition such as an autoimmune disease or are taking medicines (such as antibiotics) that make you sensitive to the sun.

When you're outside from September to April, it’s especially important to protect yourself between 10 am - 4 pm as the UV rate is highest then, even on cloudy days.

Be sure to ‘Slip, slop, slap, and wrap’:

Slip on clothing that covers as much skin as possible, such as a top with a collar and long sleeves, trousers, or long shorts or skirts. It’s also important to Slip into the shade of a leafy tree, building or shade sail.

Slop on plenty of broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Apply generously 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or after being in water or sweating.

Slap on a hat with a wide brim or with flaps covering the ears and neck. More people are sunburnt on the face and neck than any other part of the body.

Wrap on sunglasses that are close fitting, wrap-around style sunglasses. Not all sunglasses protect against UV radiation, so always check the label for the sun protection rating. Learn more at sunsmart.org.nz

Now grab your sunhat and enjoy the summer!

Coronation Ball

Coronation Ball - Join us to celebrate the crowning of King Charles III. Tuesday, 9th May, 2023

It’s time to dust off those dancing shoes (and get your glad rags out): In celebration of the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, Age Concern Otago is hosting a ball at the South Dunedin Community Hall on Tuesday, 9 May, from 1.30-3.30pm.

You don’t have to be able to cut the rug like Ginger Rogers or Fred Astaire to come along. The Coronation Ball is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy some music and raise a toast to Charles, who will be crowned King by the Archbishop of Canterbury in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey a few days earlier.

As well as afternoon tea, there will be a cash bar, and live music from popular Dunedin trio, the Oxo Cubans.

“Our Coronation Ball promises to be a lot of fun,” says Kristen, of Age Concern. “It’s not only a great chance to commemorate the crowning of Charles in style, but to get together with good music and dancing.”

Coronations don’t roll around every year - the last one, of Charles’ mother Queen Elizabeth II, was 70 years ago – so make sure you come along and help us celebrate a piece of history.

Tickets, which are only $5 per person (a bit cheaper than the £1,250 the Ritz Carlton are charging for their shindig), can be purchased from the Age Concern Otago office at 9 The Octagon, Dunedin Central 9016.

The Coronation Ball itself takes place at the South Dunedin Community Hall, 253 King Edward Street, Dunedin 9012 on Tuesday, May 9, from 1.30-3.30pm.

For more information, please email: agecon@ageconcernotago.co.nz or phone: 03 477 1040.

We’re looking forward to seeing you there!