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Stay safe this summer with a Wombat HatSkin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK today. At least 100,000 new cases of skin cancer are reported annually, and that number is increasing year on year. Despite all the existing advice on avoiding this type of cancer, more than 2,500 people a year die after being diagnosed with a melanoma.
This month is skin cancer awareness month, and here at Wombat leather, we’re committed to helping you and your family stay safe in the sun. Our gorgeously stylish leather hats are made only from the very highest grade cattle hide, so you know they’ll last a lifetime. Every hat in our collection features a wide brim and enhanced UV protection, perfect for keeping the sun away from your precious skin.
Wombat leather – protecting all the family
Inspired by life in the Australian outback, our hats are designed to withstand even the harshest of conditions. Naturally shower proof, we’ve impregnated every one of our hats with advanced protection from ultra violet radiation, and are confident we’ve got the perfect product for every member of the family.
Wombat Outback leather hat
Available in sizes from XS to XL, our hats are sized to accommodate even the smallest family member. If you’ve got kids who want to look cool but you want to keep safe, our soft leather outback hats are the perfect compromise. If they prefer a more lightweight head protection, our soft foldable travellers hat is a perfect choice.
Wombat washable foldable hat
Check out our leather hats to find your ideal style, and stay safely out of the sun this summer. Take a moment to brush up on your skin cancer knowledge too, and make sure all your family are safe and well.
Recognising skin cancer
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommend you undertake a top to toe self-examination at least once a month, so you can recognise any changes quickly. Use a mirror, or get a partner to help you, so you can become familiar with all your usual spots and freckles.
If a mole changes shape or becomes itchy, if a new growth appears or if you have a sore spot that doesn’t seem to be healing, see your doctor right away. They would rather see you and tell you it’s nothing than have you arrive with a skin cancer when it’s too late to help.
The NHS has developed an ABCDE of moles which could help you detect a skin cancer earlier. The letters stand for:
- Asymmetry: The mole is growing faster on one side than the other, so is no longer a nice round shape.
- Border: The edge of the mole is blurry or ragged.
- Colour: The mole is uneven in colours, has darker and lighter patches, instead of being a uniform colour.
- Diameter: Often a melanoma will be bigger than 6mm across.
- Enlargement: The mole has changed shape or size or is protruding higher from the skin surface than it used to.
Don’t take chances with your health. If you are at all concerned about a mole, lump or other abnormality, see your GP.
How to stay safe in the sun
We all love to get out in the sunshine, especially after a long, dark British winter. But too much exposure to UV radiation could leave us at risk of developing a melanoma. Here’s how to stay safer in the sun this summer:
- Use sunscreen
Sunscreen with SPF30 or higher will protect your skin. It takes time to absorb, so remember to apply it at least 15 minutes before going outside. Repeat every two hours to keep the effectiveness up, and more often if you’re sweating or have been swimming. Opt for a spray tan instead of sunbathing, and avoid the use of sunbeds. UV light is not only responsible for skin cancers; it causes premature aging of the skin too, so keep the wrinkles at bay by not working on a natural tan this year.
- Stay in the shade
Of course, you don’t want to spend all summer huddled under a parasol, but there are certain times of the day when the sun is so intense, it makes sense to get out of it. In the UK, from around April until September, the sun is at its most powerful between 11am and 3pm, so try to stay in the shade during these peak hours. Take extra care near water, sand or snow, as these surfaces can reflect the sun’s rays, causing even more risk of sunburn.
- Cover up
If you’ve got to be out in the sun, covering up is the very best protection you can ask for. Wearing loose fitting shirts with long sleeves will keep you cool and keep the sun off your body, and a maxi skirt or loose fitting chinos will do the same for your legs. Protect your face and head with a cool wide brimmed hat from Wombat Leather; the advanced UV protection in our hats will give you the best protection you could hope for.
Don’t avoid the sun completely. It’s an important source of vitamin D, and when treated with the respect it deserves, can be a mood lifting, health giving source of warmth and light. Remember to stay safe in the sun, and enjoy your summer this year!
