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Hello, I'm Miss Tee, and welcome to today's lesson.
Today we're talking about safety in the sun, and that's part of our unit on "Staying Safe and Healthy: How Can I Check My Body Is Healthy?" Our lesson outcome for today is: I can explain how to keep myself safe in the sun, what sun damage looks like, and what to do about it.
Before we get started on today's lesson, it's really important that we think about the ground rules that we follow when we're having discussions in our classrooms. We've got Laura, firstly, saying, "Listen to others.
It's okay to disagree with each other, but we should listen properly before making assumptions or deciding how to respond.
And when we disagree, we challenge the statement, we don't challenge the person." We've got Jacob saying, "No judgement.
We can explore beliefs and misunderstandings about a topic without fear of being judged." Andeep details us to respect privacy.
He says, "We can discuss examples, but we do not use names or descriptions that could identify anyone, including ourselves." And finally, Izzy reminds us to choose the level of participation that is right for us.
Everyone has the right to choose not to answer a question or join a discussion.
We never put anyone on the spot.
So, with those in mind, let's get started with today's lesson.
Let's take a look at the keywords that we're going to be using in this lesson.
We've got five keywords.
The first one is "melanoma," which is a serious type of skin cancer that starts in cells that make skin colour.
It can spread to other body parts if not caught early.
Then we have "ultraviolet," also referred to as "UV," which are invisible light rays mainly from the sun that cause sunburn and can damage skin over time.
Then we have "infrared," also shortened to "IR," which are invisible light rays that can be felt as heat.
They come from the sun, warm objects and are used in remote controls and night vision.
We also have the phrase "fake tan," which is a cosmetic product that temporarily darkens your skin to look tanned without sun exposure.
And finally, "mole." And in this context, it's a small, usually dark spot on your skin made of clustered pigment cells.
Most are harmless, but changes in size or colour need checking.
As we go through our lesson today, see where you hear these words being used and see if you can use them in your own responses.
We've got two lesson outlines for today's lesson on safety in the sun.
Firstly, how can I stay safe in the sun? And secondly, what are the signs of skin cancer? So, let's start with our first lesson outline: How can I stay safe in the sun? When the weather gets warmer, it's nice to spend more time outside and to enjoy the sunshine.
But Dr.
Elsie says, "Being in the sun has lots of health benefits! It increases our serotonin, which helps boost our mood.
Our skin also uses sunlight to make vitamin D, which improves immunity and regulates our circadian rhythm, helping us to get better quality sleep." However, too much sun, especially without protection, can cause sunburn, premature skin ageing, increased risk of melanoma.
And Dr.
Elsie says that "Being safe in the sun is important at all ages, but younger skin can burn more easily because it has a thinner outer layer, making it more sensitive to the sun's ultraviolet, or UV, rays." There are two main types of UV rays emitted from the sun.
These are UVA and UVB.
UVA rays have longer wavelengths that can affect deeper layers of skin and are linked to skin ageing, wrinkles, and some skin cancers.
UVB rays have shorter wavelengths, and these are primarily responsible for sunburn and melanomas.
The sun also emits infrared, IR, light.
IR light is a different type of ray that is lower in energy.
IR light warms the skin.
Although they're not as strong as UV light, it can still cause burns or skin irritation.
Feeling too hot can cause someone to overheat, become dehydrated, or suffer from heatstroke.
So, to protect ourselves from the effects of the sun, we should wear sun cream, stay cool, drink water, wear light layers.
Izzy says, "I love the summer because we get to play outdoors more.
However, we only need to worry about protecting ourselves from the sun when it's really hot and we can feel the temperature." But Dr.
Elsie replies and says, "Sun damage can occur in the UK from March to October, even when the sun does not feel warm.
This is because, although we can't feel the sun or when it is cloudy, invisible UV rays can still pass through the atmosphere and burn our skin." Sunburn is your skin's reaction to too much UV radiation from the sun.
UV rays damage the skin's outer layers, causing inflammation, pain, and redness.
Dr.
Elsie says that "Sunburn makes the body react by sending more blood to the area, and this causes that redness.
Although this visual sign may be harder to see on darker skin, other signs like the skin feeling hot, tight, or painful indicate sun damage, and In some cases, the skin may blister or peel." The best way to protect yourself from sunburn is to apply sun cream and stay covered up as much as possible.
Sun cream should be applied before you go out and then again every two hours.
And also applied any time after swimming or being in the water.
Laura says, "There are lots of different types of sun cream.
How do I know which one to use?" And Dr.
Elsie replies, "Sun creams are rated by sun protection factors, called SPF, and these can range from factor two to factor 50+.
A sun cream that is factor 50+ offers the greatest protection, as it blocks out more of the sun's UV rays.
For children and teenagers, 50+ is recommended for all skin types, as anyone can get sunburn or be at risk of skin cancer." So in this check for understanding, can you identify when sunscreen should be applied? Is it every hour, every two hours, twice a day, or only after being in the water? Pause your screen while you think about your answer.
Well done.
If you said that sun cream should be applied every two hours, then you'd be correct.
Well done.
So it's important that any sun cream we use is at least SPF 30, although 50 is recommended for children.
That it also has at least a four+ star UVA protection rating.
"SPF means sun protection factor," says Izzy, "and the UV rating measures the amount of ultraviolet protection." Even if the sun cream says "waterproof" or "water-resistant," you should still always reapply after swimming or being in the water.
A UV index is like a weather forecast, and you can tell how strong the UV rays are on any given day by looking at this.
In addition to using sun cream, you can also stay safe in the sun by covering up and wearing clothes or UV-protective fabrics, such as UV suits or rash vests.
You can also stay safe by wearing a hat to protect the top of your head.
A wide-brimmed hat is better than a baseball hat because this also protects the back of your neck.
You can also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
You can limit how long you spend in the sunshine and stay in the shade between 11:00 and 3:00, when the sun is the hottest.
Dr.
Elsie says, "Remember, whenever you spend time in warm weather, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water." When you're out in the sun, an easy way to remember what to do is, "slip, slop, slap." This is to slip on a shirt, slop on sun cream, and slap on a hat.
This message was part of a safety campaign encouraging people to protect themselves from the sun because even one burn can cause lasting sun damage.
So in this check for understanding, can you identify which child is best protected from UV rays on a day at the beach? Pause your screen while you think about your answer.
Well done.
If you identified that the child in picture B is best protected from UV rays on a day at the beach, you'd be correct.
We can see that they've got a shirt on, trousers on, they've got sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Some people want to have a tan but do not want to risk going in the sun to achieve this, so they might opt for a fake tan instead.
This is done by using fake tanning cream or lotion, and it's a cosmetic process that temporarily darkens the skin without sun exposure.
If you're using fake tan, always try a patch test first to check for any allergies to ingredients.
Fake tan is generally considered to be safe because it does not involve exposure to UV rays.
However, some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions.
They may also find that it creates dry skin.
Some people might use sunbeds.
Now, sunbeds are machines that give off UV rays to tan skin.
This light is the same as sunlight but is much stronger and more concentrated.
Sunbeds can be extremely dangerous because they give off UVA and UVB rays that damage skin.
Risks of using a sunbed include getting burnt, developing wrinkles and sunspots, a significant increase in developing melanoma.
In the UK, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to use a sunbed.
So in this check for understanding: True or false? Using a sunbed can significantly increase someone's chances of developing melanoma.
Pause your screen while you think about your answer.
If you identified that the answer was true, then you'd be correct.
Well done.
So in this task, Jun has been asked by his teacher to make a poster outlining how to stay safe in the sun.
Can you help Jun create this poster by including the following information: what you should wear to protect yourself in the sun, how you can manage your time in the sun, and other tips on how to stay safe in the sun? Pause your screen while you think about your answer.
So your sun safety poster may look like this and include sun safety tips such as: seek shade, wear a hat, use sunscreen, limit your sun time, stay hydrated, wear protective clothing, and use sunglasses.
And it may also have included the following information: Sunscreen should be applied every two hours and always after swimming.
You should always use a sun cream with SPF 50+.
You should always follow the "slip, slop, slap" rule.
You should stay out of the sun between 11:00 and 3:00, as this is when the sun is hottest.
And you should remember that sunbeds should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
So let's move on to our second lesson outline for today: what are the signs of skin cancer? Dr.
Elsie says, "It's important that we check our bodies regularly for any signs of being unwell, and this includes checking our skin for any symptoms of sun damage." The first sign of sun damage is that the skin is red, tight, hot, painful, blistering, or peeling.
And if this happens, you should stay out of the sun and cover up, take a cool shower, drink plenty of water, use a moisturiser or aloe vera gel to soothe the skin, and take painkillers under the supervision of an adult if needed.
Dr.
Elsie also says that "If sunburn continues to be painful, if it blisters or becomes infected, if it's severe, or if it's on a child or infant, it's important to seek medical help.
Your pharmacist or local GP can help to recommend treatments and give advice.
Dr.
Elsie also says that "It's not just sunburn that can indicate sun damage.
Signs of skin cancer or other long-term conditions caused by the sun can often be spotted by noticing changes in moles, spots, or freckles on your skin.
It's important to check your skin regularly.
Skin cancer can happen to anyone, even young people.
And spotting the signs early makes a big difference." Most people have freckles or moles on their skin.
These are normally harmless, but it is important to keep an eye on them in case they change, as this can be an indicator of a melanoma.
Freckles are small, light brown, or reddish spots that often cluster together on areas of the skin that get the most sun.
Whereas moles are larger coloured spots that may be flat or protruding from the skin.
Using the ABCDE rule can be helpful to remember the key characteristics of moles that may indicate melanoma.
A is for asymmetry, B is for border irregularity, C is for colour, D is for diameter, and E is for evolving.
So if you notice that the mole is asymmetrical, meaning the two halves are not the same shape; if you notice that it has an irregular or blurred border edge; if you notice that it has multiple colours, so maybe shades of black, white, grey, brown, or pink; if you notice that it has a diameter of more than six millimetres; or that it is evolving, which means growing or changing in size, shape, or colour; then you should see your doctor to have this investigated.
So in this check for understanding, what does the "B" stand for in the ABCDE mole-checking guide? Is it A, bumpy; B, brown; C, border; or D, blurry? Pause your screen while you think about your answer.
If you identified that the answer was C, "B" is for border, then you'd be correct.
Well done.
Dr.
Elsie says that "If you notice any changes to your skin, moles, or freckles; if you notice any new moles, lumps, or growths; or if you find anything that you're worried about, you should tell a trusted adult and see a doctor.
Normally, there is nothing to be concerned about, but early detection of any health condition improves the success of treatment that might be needed.
Dr.
Elsie says that when you see a doctor about a mole, freckle, or spot on your skin, they will first do a visual exam and check your skin.
And this may include looking at moles through a special tool called a dermatoscope.
A dermatoscope is a magnifying piece of equipment with light that helps the doctor see the skin in more detail.
It shows patterns and colours under the surface that aren't visible to the naked eye.
If a doctor thinks something needs further investigation, then they may request a biopsy.
A biopsy is when a small sample of skin is sent to a laboratory where it's closely examined under a microscope to see if any cells are cancerous.
Jacob says, "What happens during a biopsy?" And Dr.
Elsie replies, "A biopsy is a very quick procedure and is done with local anaesthetic to numb the area.
If you are under 18, you will need to have a parent or guardian with you for the procedure.
Or if you are over 18, you can request to have someone with you during the procedure.
Usually, the results of a biopsy are back within a few days or weeks, depending on the urgency of the referral.
It can feel worrying for people while they wait, but remember, often these tests are just used to rule out anything that might be more serious, and early diagnosis will significantly improve outcomes.
If you have any questions, you should always ask your doctor." So let's come to our final check for understanding.
Can you rewrite the sentence to correct the misconception? The sentence reads: "Changes to a mole are normal and you do not need to see a doctor." Can you rewrite that to make it correct? Pause your screen while you think about your answer.
Well done.
Your sentence should look like this: "Changes to a mole can be a sign of skin cancer and should always be seen by a doctor." So let's come to task B.
Can you complete the paragraph to outline how to check your skin for signs of skin cancer? The paragraph reads: "It's important to check your skin regularly for any unusual.
You can use the ABCDE rule to help spot signs of skin.
A is for.
, which means the two halves of a mole don't.
B stands for.
; keep an eye out for edges that are uneven or jagged.
C is for.
; moles with more than one colour can be a warning sign.
D means you should look at the.
; moles larger than.
should be checked.
E stands for.
, which means the mole is changing in size or colour.
If you notice any of these signs, tell a.
adult and go to.
Most changes are harmless, but it's always better to check early and stay.
." So complete this paragraph to outline how to check your skin for signs of skin cancer.
Pause your screen while you think about your answer.
Well done.
Your completed paragraph should look like this: "It's important to check your skin regularly for any unusual changes.
You can use the ABCDE rule to help spot signs of skin cancer.
A is for asymmetry, which means the two halves of a mole don't match.
B stands for border; keep an eye out for edges that are uneven or jagged.
C is for colour; moles with more than one colour can be a warning sign.
D means you should look at the diameter; moles larger than six millimetres should be checked.
E stands for evolving, which means the mole is changing in size, shape, or colour.
If you notice any of these signs, tell a trusted adult and go to see a doctor.
Most changes are harmless, but it's always better to check early and stay safe." So in summary, today's lesson on safety in the sun.
To stay safe in the sun, you should never let yourself get sunburnt.
Being burnt just once can cause serious skin damage.
The sun emits damaging ultraviolet, UV, and infrared, IR, rays.
Wearing sunscreen, wearing a hat, and covering up can help to protect your skin.
Apply sunscreen before you go out, every two hours, and after swimming.
Sun damage can occur in the UK from March to October, even when the sun does not feel warm.
Some people use fake tan or sunbeds to get a tan.
Sunbeds are more dangerous than sunlight and are illegal for under 18s in the UK.
And finally, use the ABCDE method to check for the characteristics of moles which could indicate a melanoma, and see a doctor if you have any concerns.
If you want more information or support on any of the topics in this lesson, you can visit the NHS Live Well site.
The NHS gives advice about healthy living, exercise, quitting smoking, and drinking less alcohol.
And the NHS website gives more general advice about health and prevention, including how to access services.