BE SAFE IN THE SUN WITH FAMILY FUN

As a country that proudly counts among the sunniest in the world, there’s no question that South Africa is a great place for enjoying plenty of time outdoors, breathing in the fresh air and soaking up those deliciously warm rays.

At the same time, it is essential to bear in mind that South Africa has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally, so be sure to put safety first when it comes to protecting your family from the dangers of too much sun exposure. This is especially important for children, as the majority of damage that can lead to skin cancer in later years is done before the ages of 18 to 21.

Here are five top tips on how to stay safe in the sun:

  1. Use sunscreen every day, after applying your moisturiser and before putting on make-up, if using.
  2. Make sure your sunblock has a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30.
  3. Reapply sunblock liberally every two to three hours when spending time outdoors and don’t miss those easily overlooked areas, such as the tips of the ears and between the toes.
  4. Avoid the sun at its hottest hours, between 10:00 and 16:00 in the height of summer.
  5. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, protective clothing and UV-protective sunglasses when you are outside.

New OMSMAF dermatologist consultation for cancer screening

Great news – a new benefit was added to the Wellness Benefit across all plans earlier this year, and allows one dermatology consultation per beneficiary every second year, specifically for cancer screening. This benefit is available to members 35 years and older and is paid at medical scheme rates, so if you have any questions before making use of this benefit, please feel free to call our contact centre first, where one of our friendly agents will be able to assist you.

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