Slap on the sunscreen this June Bank Holiday weekend-Kerry

HSE South West is encouraging everyone in Kerry to enjoy the June bank holiday weekend safely, by protecting your skin from the sun and knowing your local healthcare options.

Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in Ireland, with more than 11,000 cases diagnosed every year. Yet almost all cases are preventable and simple, everyday actions can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Dr Anne Sheahan, HSE South West Regional Director of Public Health said:

“Sunburn is not just prickly and painful - it is visible evidence of skin damage that accumulates over time. We want young people, parents, schools, sports clubs and workplaces to make sun protection a daily habit, not just something we grab on hotter days. Check the UV Index daily and you will see how easy it is to burn – even on cloudy days.”

Follow the SunSmart 5 S’s:

• Slip on clothing that covers your skin
• Slop on sunscreen (SPF 30+ for adults, 50+ for kids)
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
• Seek shade between 11am and 3pm
• Slide on sunglasses, preferably wraparound style

Alongside these safety tips, people are encouraged to think about all their healthcare options before going to the Emergency Department. If you or a loved one is seriously ill or injured, please call 999/112 or make your way to the University Hospital Kerry (UHK) Emergency Department. However, if your injury or illness is not critical or urgent - there are a range of local options available. Many health services will be open over the weekend, including pharmacies, GP Out-of-Hours service SouthDoc and Mallow Injury Unit.

Julie O’Neill, HSE Manager for Kerry, HSE South West commented:

“I hope everyone has lovely plans for the bank holiday weekend. Whether you are attending Listowel Writer’s Week, BikeFest in Killarney, or staying local - just remember to protect your skin from the sun. Also, please take care on the cliffs, mountains, near water and especially when swimming.

“If you have an urgent but less serious need for healthcare, please contact your pharmacist or SouthDoc. You can also visit Mallow Injury Unit, which is very accessible for many in Kerry and help us keep the UHK Emergency Department for those who need it most.”

Options for non-emergency healthcare include:

• Self-care – Have a well-stocked medicine cabinet for common ailments
• Your local pharmacist: www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/pharmacy/
• Your GP (fill routine prescriptions ahead of the bank holiday weekend)
• South Doc, the GP Out-of-Hours service is on 0818 355 999
• Injury unit – consider attending Mallow Injury Unit.

Injury units treat injuries that are not life-threatening, such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns. Injury units treat injuries that are not life-threatening, such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns.