Dangers of the Australian Sun

Australia is a great country, famous for its exceptional summer weather, but when you’re out in the sun ‘Down Under’, there are some dangers to be wary of. Unlike in other countries, the sun in Australia is particularly harsh and its UV rays can be harmful. Those looking to spend time in Oz should understand the dangers of the sun, as well as seeking protection by using sunscreen and taking cover under trees and awnings.

Understanding UV

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Ultra Violet radiation is divided into five, colour-coded categories denoting how damaging the UV rays are to the skin. During the summer, Australia is susceptible to high, very high and extreme UV rays. A UV alert is issued when the forecasted rating is 3 or above and this can be found online, in newspapers or via the ‘UV Alert’ iPhone application. If you’re spending the day outside, it’s a good idea to check the UV alerts, as this will tell you what times of the day you specifically need to be sun smart.

Sunburn

Sunburn is caused by UVB radiation, which, unlike other forms of sun radiation, is not blocked out by the ozone layer. Sunburn can be hugely harmful to your skin, resulting in wrinkles, discolouration and pain. In Australia, 8% of children, 24% of teenagers and 14% of adults suffer sunburn during summer weekends. Sunburn can also occur on cooler days, when people assume that UV radiation is less or is blocked out by the clouds. As well as being damaging to your skin, sunburn can also lead to one of Australia’s biggest dangers: skin cancer.

Skin Cancer

The more harmful UV rays are, the more damage they can cause. Sunburn and skin cancer are extremely high in Australia, with more than 1850 people dying from skin cancer each year. Travellers from overseas need to be wary of sun exposure in Australia, and the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is divided into melanoma and non-melanoma, with non-melanoma being the most common.

Other Damage

Other than skin cancer, the sun can also injure the body in other ways and Ultra Violet radiation has been known to cause cataracts and retinal damage, and can contribute to macular degeneration. The Cancer Council of Australia recommends preventing eye damage by wearing a broad-brimmed hat and wrap-around sunglasses that are designed to prevent UV radiation. 

Being Sun Smart

It’s important to remember the saying, “slip, slop, slap, seek, slide,” when it comes to protecting yourself from the sun in Australia. This campaign was developed by the Cancer Council in the 1980s and has now become an integral part of their SunSmart program. The message translates to:

●      “Slip” on sun-protective clothing and cover your skin

●      “Slop” on some sunscreen, which should be at least 30+SPF and water resistant (if you’re swimming)

●      “Slap” on a hat to protect your face, eyes, neck and ears

●      “Seek” shade instead of spending lots of time in the sun

●      “Slide” on some Australian standard sunglasses to protect your eyes

At Home

If you’re spending lots of time in your backyard at home, it’s good to also follow these tips and also make sure there is plenty of shade available. If there aren’t a lot of trees in your yard, consider awnings or umbrellas instead. If you have a pool, a shade sail over the pool can be beneficial. A pool heater is a great way to keep the water warm while still having the benefit of shade.

When You Need the Right Home Insurance

Why insurance is very important for us? It’s because we live in the unpredictable world and the future is really indefinite. Anything –even the very bad thing- may occur in your future. Therefore you require Personal Insurance that will protect your personal needs from unexpected situations in the following years. You’ve known the importance of insurance, but choosing the right protection for your family can be tough if your budget is limited.   

 

Your problem will be solved if you know where to get the best rates of insurance. PFNorthEast.com is much recommended as they offer competitive and customized rates to you. If you’re looking for Homeowners Insurance at PFNorthEast.com, you may save much money yet still obtain coverage that you need.

Many people consider their homes as one of the most valuable assets. If you already have your own home, you must guard it with the right Home Insurance. As mentioned above, there is still a chance that bad things such as fire, storm damage or a flood happening.

Getting home insurance is a great decision as your home will be protected from any unpredictable things. In today’s economy condition, saving money is always becoming many people’s concerns. PFNorthEast gives you more advantage as you can obtain the required protection without spending too much funds.

Sky Watch : Different Moments

Sunset on a bright day

The dark cloud trying to cover the sun

Captured this week for Sky Watch Friday

Sweet Treat Recipes for Your Next Party

Every good dinner party needs to have a few decadent desserts to please the guests with a sweet tooth. Your dessert doesn’t have to be large and extravagant as you can get the same classy effect with many smaller treats by hiring party supplies, such as a two or three-tiered cupcake stand to display them on. The following are some tasty and simple dessert recipes to try out at your next dinner party.

Pretzel Turtles

Arrange 20 mini pretzels in a single layer on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Place a chocolate-covered caramel candy on each pretzel and bake for 4 minutes at 300ºF. When the candy is warm, press a pecan half onto each candy-covered pretzel and allow for them to cool before serving.

Creamy Coconut Cake

Prepare a 454-gram package of white cake mix according to the package directions and allow it to cool completely. In a small bowl, combine a 397-gram can of cream of coconut with a 397-gram can of sweetened condensed milk. Poke holes in the cake with a straw, pour the milk mixture over the cake, and cover with whipped topping. Sprinkle the cake with flaked coconut and serve chilled.

Cherries Jubilee

In a wide saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup of white sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Stir in 1/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of orange juice, and bring it to a boil over medium heat, whisking until thickened. Stir in 1/2 kilogram of dark pitted cherries and 1/2 teaspoon of grated orange zest; bring it back to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. When the cherries are ready, remove them from the heat and stir in 1/4 teaspoon of cherry extract. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of brandy, and ignite the mixture with a long lighter, gently shaking the pan until the blue flame has extinguished itself. Spoon the cherries over vanilla ice cream and serve.

St. Clement’s Pie

Break 250 grams of digestive biscuits and 100 grams of cornflakes into crumbs. Mix the crumbs with 85 grams of melted butter and 140 grams of caster sugar, and press the mixture into the sides and base of a 20-centimetre fluted loose-bottom tart mould. Bake the base for 15 minutes at 350ºF. Whisk 1 egg and 4 egg yolks in a big bowl until they are pale and frothy, and then whisk in a 397-gram can of condensed milk and the zest and juice from 3 lemons and 2 oranges. Pour the mixture into the base and bake for 20 minutes at 300ºF. Allow the tin to cool down, and then chill for at least 5 hours. When you are ready to serve, whip together 150 millilitres of extra-thick double cream, 100 grams of Greek yoghurt and 4 tablespoons of icing sugar and dollop onto the pie. Scatter more lemon and orange zest on top of the pie for decoration.

Lavender Fudge

Grind a tablespoon of dried lavender flowers in a coffee grinder until fine. Melt together 454 grams of chocolate chips, 398 grams of sweetened condensed milk and the lavender in a double boiler. Stir in 3 tablespoons of butter until the mixture is smooth. Pour the mixture into a 9”x9” pan lined with wax paper, cover with Glad wrap and chill overnight. Serve fudge pieces garnished with fresh lavender.

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