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Men who work
outdoors urged to be sun aware
A NEW public health
campaign to encourage men who work outdoors to protect themselves
from the sun and skin cancer has been launched in Liverpool.
Skin Cancer is the one of the most common forms of cancer in
Liverpool, and the number of new cases diagnosed each year have more
than doubled over the last decade.
Studies show that people who work outdoors are twice as likely as
those with an indoor job to be diagnosed with skin cancer.
In response, Public Health Liverpool have worked in partnership with
the NHS and local employers, with supporting information provided by
Cancer Research UK and a foreword written by Health and Safety
Executive (HSE), to develop a toolkit for employers to raise
awareness of the issue.
The pack includes posters to be placed in workplaces and a symptoms
card for employees encouraging them to get any moles or patches of
skin they are concerned about checked by their GP.
The advice includes covering up and using sun cream between May and
September when the rays from the sun are strongest, paying
particular attention to ears, necks and lips.
Employers are being encouraged to raise awareness of sun protection
and to provide protective clothing and sunscreen, as well as raising
awareness of the symptoms of skin cancer and the importance of early
diagnosis.
Assistant Cabinet member for adult health and the Council's cancer
champion, Councillor Roy Gladden, said:- "We're all well aware
of the importance of putting on sun cream when we go on holiday or
to the beach, but studies show that people don't protect themselves
when they are working outside. We want people to get the
message that sun cream is no different to putting on a hard hat and
gloves or any other form of protective clothing. It is there to
protect you from the risks associated with doing your job."
Dr. Sandra Davies, Interim Director of Public Health for Liverpool,
said:- "Tackling skin cancer is one of our priorities and we
know that people who work outdoors often don't realise the risk they
are exposing themselves to. If you work outdoors you can spend
literally hours in the sun every day so it is really important to
make sure you are protected. Even if it is cloudy, you are still at
risk of the damage the sun can do. Contrary to popular belief, there
is no such thing as a healthy tan and you are not protected if you
already have a tan. If your skin goes red it is a sign the cells
have been damaged by too much UV radiation."
Companies who are working with the
City Council on the campaign
include Glendale (a leading provider of green services to the public
and private sector).
Liverpool based independent charity Health@Work - which works with
organisations of all sizes to help create healthier and ultimately
happier workforces; is supporting and promoting the campaign as part
of the Workplace Wellbeing Charter. More information is available
online.
Employers can download the toolkit at the Health At Work Centre's
website.
Employees can also visit:-
sunsmart.org.uk for
skin cancer information and sun protection advice.
Public Health Liverpool has a limited number of hardcopies of the
Employers toolkit, symptoms cards and posters available for
companies based in Liverpool. Please visit the Liverpool NHS
website to order.
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Young People
Take Over Liverpool Arts - Flux Liverpool Festival Line up Released
FLUX Liverpool is a new
pioneering arts festival engineered by young people, created for
everyone. Flux Liverpool takes place Thursday, 17 July to
Saturday, 2 August 2014 and kicks off a whole new type of youth
focused grassroots festival: a demonstration of the potential that's
hiding inside Liverpool's young people.
The events programme has been released, promoting over 50 events
surrounding this 3 week long multi arts festival. Audiences of
all ages are invited to discover a vibrant mix of theatre and music
performance, installations, workshops and panel discussions, games,
exhibitions, parades and much more all led by young people from the
Liverpool City Region.
Alex McCorkindale, Flux Liverpool Director said:- "This
festival is like nothing I've ever worked on before. The Flux
Liverpool guide gives the public a glimpse into the world of
activities and opportunities our young people have created. There
doesn't seem to be an end to this City's potential and talent, and
Flux Liverpool is just the beginning. We're so excited about the
programme, and we can't wait for you take a look!"
Opening weekend sees the launch of Young DaDaFest at Everyman
Theatre, on 17 July 2014, a showcase of music, dance, and performance led
by disabled and deaf young people from across Merseyside. And from
the 18 July to 20 July 2014, the Blueprint Festival led by Tate Collective, sees
live performances, workshops, art installations, an art fair, a
parade and much more, plus a launch after party at The Kazimier.
A range of activities will be open to schools and groups including
the opportunity to become forensic scientists with Hands on DNA -
Exploring Evolution at World Museum, a John Moores Painting Prize
Culture Course at Walker Art Gallery, Tours of Liverpool Biennial
led by the Young Fellows and more.
Most events are open to everyone including the Day at the Dome at
Liverpool One's Chavasse Park on 26 July 2014, when some of the North
West's most talented up and coming musical acts show off their
skills. An intriguing interactive performance Sense and
Sustainability takes over spaces across the Bluecoat on Saturday, 19 July
2014
and Tales from the MP3 sees the 20 Stories High Young Actors perform
a gritty, honest and funny piece that will be at Everyman Theatre, on
1 August to 2 August 2014. Young Everyman Playhouse (YEP) present a modern twist
on Alice in Wonderland, from 25 July to 27 July 2014 amongst the rolling green
lawns of Croxteth Hall and Country Park. Visitors might just stumble
on hidden stages, secret gigs and headline DJ's.
The educational #FluxSkills events will give people of all ages an
insight into arts careers and a chance to connect and learn with
industry professionals from all over the UK. #FluxSkills sessions
cover a topics include visual art and design, music, management and
more.
10 #FluxCommissions grants have been awarded to creative young
people from the region and their projects and events will be
showcased during the festival including Synaesthesia Lab; an
audio visual sensory experience:- 'The World in One City'
an
interactive map using electrically conductive paint, and silent
disco Unsigned, Unheard which provides a platform for undiscovered
Liverpool musicians.
The FREE festival guide is available
online or in print soon at
participating venues: The Black-E, The Bluecoat, Camp & Furnace,
FACT, Liverpool ONE Info Centre, Everyman Theatre, Merseyside
Maritime Museum, Tate Liverpool, World Museum, and Walker Art
Gallery.
Download the Flux Guide PDF and stay up to date with Flux Liverpool
on Facebook or Twitter.
People with diabetes across
Merseyside urged to be prepared; managing diabetes on holiday
WITH the holiday season
approaching, many of the 3.2 million people diagnosed with diabetes
in the UK will be looking forward to a well deserved break in the
sunshine, or planning a long weekend away. But Merseyside residents
with diabetes are being urged to plan ahead for their time away, and
be prepared for all eventualities. If you or your child has
diabetes then the condition will be going on your holiday with you,
but there's no reason for it to slow anyone down provided you do
some advance preparation. Diabetes UK has loads of useful
travel advice at:-
diabetes.org.uk/travel
including handy tips about carrying snacks and some of your
medication in your hand luggage, in case of delays. Other
suggestions include taking a letter from your diabetes team
explaining your condition, and being aware of how a change in
weather might impact on your condition. There is also detailed
information about how to plan ahead to avoid any issues with
airports and airlines if you have an insulin pump or continuous
glucose monitor. For people living with Type 2 diabetes,
Diabetes UK's online e-learning programme:- 'Type 2 Diabetes
and Me', aimed at improving the knowledge of self management
of all those living with the condition, also includes a whole
section about how to cope while on holiday. It can be accessed for
free at:-
type2diabetesandme.co.uk. For
more information and advice call Diabetes UK's Careline on:- 0345
123 2399. "In the meantime I'd like to wish everyone a safe
journey and a wonderful holiday..." says Jo Cunnah, Diabetes
UK's Interim Regional Manager in the North West.
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