As the School Based Youth Health Nurse, I work with the school community to promote health and wellbeing, create a supportive, healthy school environment and connect people with other support services.  

Being Sun Smart

The end of October brings the start of extreme heat alerts and extreme UV index. It’s a reminder to be Sun Smart especially at school. The UV index is highest during school time (9am-3pm). Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage accumulated during childhood and adolescence is strongly associated with an increased risk of skin cancer later in life. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians developing some form of skin cancer before age 70. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

• Slip on loose protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Slop on 30+ sunscreen remembering to reapply regularly
• Slap on a hat
• Seek shade
• Slide on sunglasses

You can download the SunSmart app for free which provides the times recommended to use sun protection and also gives the highest UV rating for the day.

Pathways to Cessation

The Pathways to Cessation program is delivered by health professionals at the Queensland Quitline service and combines information and counselling support with a free 12-week supply of nicotine replacement products such as patches, gum, and lozenges. A reminder here at Wilsonton SHS we are working in partnership with Queensland Health, so members of our school community can access a free quit support program for parents, carers, siblings.

There will be further information on the school website on how to access this program shortly. If you’d like to find out ‘what to expect from Quitline’ visit the QuitHQ website via this link https://www.quithq.initiatives.qld.gov.au/how-to-quit/get-help-from-quitline

Angela Kain- School Based Youth Health Nurse
Working Mon, Tues, Wed & (on odd weeks) Thurs based in the Support Hub.