It seemed too good to be true last year that long period of sunny warm days and gentle breezes. Most people reckoned there would not be a better summer for two decades or more, and maybe there won't. But this week's outbreak of beautiful summer, weather has quickly revived the memories of last year's sunny days and raised some hopes that this year's season may not prove too bad after all. People are out and about in shorts and short sleeved shirts picnicking or working, boating and swimming and walking. The weather beckons everyone out of doors.
There is every reason for people to try to make the most of it while it lasts. Good weather can be a great balm. More outdoor exercise can be very good for the health. But too much of a good thing can do damage. Care and common sense are required if the most is to be made of good weather.
The recent addition by Met Eireann (in conjunction with the Irish Cancer Society) of advice on its weather forecasts about the advisable durations of exposure to sunlight, must be welcomed as an aid to the preservation of good health. Maybe last year's long hot summer will have made people less hasty to get out into the sunshine without adequate protection against ultra violet radiation, but it is not beyond the realms of possibility that there will be many painfully pink noses, arms, legs and backs by the weekend. And ultra violet rays may not just burn the skin they also age it prematurely and can give rise to skin cancers (of which there are more than 6,090 cases a year in this State). Common sense and self interest should dictate the use of an effective sun screen lotion by those whose skin must be exposed to the sun, plus appropriate protective clothing and the use of natural shade when available.
Sun burn and skin cancer are not the only seasonal hazards of a good summer, and we can recover from the burn and get effective treatment for most cases of cancer. The seas, lakes, rivers, canals and even swimming pools take their toll of the unwary every year. Already, since the beginning of Ma there have been at least 12 drownings reported in Irish newspapers. There is no recovery from, or treatment for, these tragedies.
Boating, fishing, swimming and other accidents in or near water take more lives each year than is acceptable. Failure to don life jackets or even flotation aids may account for some. Swimming alone especially without knowledge of the tow of currents in the area or inadequate assessment of wind or wave strength, will cause predictable tragedies. Ignorance of, or lack of respect for, the elements of wind and water will usually a part. Care, caution and adequate preparation will reduce the toll.
That said, and common sense prevailing, get out and enjoy the fine weather!