Clouds shunning sunburn, opting for radiant illumination
In the district of Lindau and the surrounding region, prevention is proving to be a life-saving measure, as demonstrated by current statistics. The district, along with AOK Kempten-Oberallgäu-Lindau, has launched a campaign to promote sun protection and address heat-related health risks, such as skin cancer and heatwaves.
The campaign targets a broad audience, including young adults, seniors, and parents, recognising the vulnerability of certain groups during heatwaves. Older people, those with heart and circulatory diseases, lung diseases, or dementia are particularly at risk, as are those with lighter skin, who are more susceptible to skin cancer.
The district of Lindau has seen a significant number of skin cancer cases, with around 1,800 adults diagnosed with light skin cancer living in the district. Black skin cancer affects approximately 420 people aged 15 and above in the district.
To combat these issues, the campaign encourages the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours as a means to reduce UV exposure. It also promotes early detection through skin cancer screening programs, which are offered free of charge by statutory health insurers to women and men aged 35 and over every two years. AOK Bavaria, in particular, covers the costs for skin cancer screening from the age of 18, making them one of the few health insurers to do so.
Heatwaves are also causing increasing health consequences, with studies showing several thousand additional deaths in Germany during particularly hot summers. To address this, the campaign provides advice for hydration, limiting outdoor activities during extreme heat, and care for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.
The campaign is not just about raising awareness, but also about helping people implement sun protection measures in their daily lives. Visitors to the Oberreute outdoor pool, for example, were advised and informed about sun protection and heat, and received appropriate giveaways such as sunscreen, headwear, water bottles, and sunglasses.
UV index boards are being installed throughout the district to protect the population from intense sunlight and raise awareness about sunburn and skin cancer. The aim of these measures is to sustainably strengthen health awareness in the region, whether it's sun protection for children, proper handling of hot days, or early detection of warning signs.
The Robert Koch Institute reported approximately 7,000 and more heat-related deaths in 2018 and 2019. As of calendar week 30, an estimated 1,620 heat-related deaths have been estimated nationwide. Regular sun protection and preventive examinations are crucial to prevent new cases and detect existing ones early.
The goal of the action in Oberreute was to not only inform people about health prevention but also to empower them to take action. The Gesundheitsregionplus, a joint action in the district of Lindau, aims to achieve this by promoting a culture of health awareness and early detection, ensuring a safer and healthier community for all.
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