After the heatwave of 2003 and its consequences, proactive work has become a priority to prevent the risks of sun exposure. The Alpes-Maritimes are more concerned than ever currently: With temperatures reaching the orange level, the timing is well chosen for the Nice Health Education Space to intervene with the population.
As temperatures rise and swimsuits become the norm, the Nice Health Education Space (E.N.E.S.), in partnership with the General Council, is mobilizing to prevent the harmful effects of the sun. And it is in the Albert Ier gardens that the cancer information bus has set up until July 27.
The goal: to raise awareness among the people of Nice on the subject. Because while everyone is aware of the risks the sun poses and the precautions to take, not everyone applies what they know.
And as proof, one only has to walk down the street to see that many heads are uncovered and that eyes are exposed to UV rays. This irresponsible behavior is responsible for many skin cancers and even deaths.
It is precisely to avoid this that Martine Ballaire, head of E.N.E.S., fights, particularly emphasizing among the youth. Available to passersby, she reminds them of the measures to take to protect themselves from the sun: do not expose oneself between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., drink water regularly, use sunscreen… All advice already given on television and in the daily press. But it does not always reach the sun lovers in the same way. This is the case for René, a fifty-something and passionate sunbather. For him, being in the sun allows him to have a “healthy glow” all year round. Excesses do not scare him. With tranquility, he explains:
“I spend my time in the sun, always have. It’s become a habit and I can’t do without it, even though I know it’s harmful to my health.”
The sun is harmful, indeed, but only in cases of abuse and lack of protection. Martine Ballaire supports this:
“The sun is good for the morale and allows better vitamin D absorption. The key is to know when and how to enjoy it.”
The slogan of the T-shirts displayed in front of the cancer Info bus sums it up well: “The sun, source of life, beware… Let’s protect ourselves.”
This advice is welcome, especially at this time of year. And to impact a maximum number of people from Nice, the cancer Info bus is strategically located just opposite the beaches. This serves as a reminder to some, like Jeannine, a grandmother with two boys aged 5 and 8:
“Crossing the street, I saw a sign with protective guidelines. To be honest, I didn’t know you had to apply sunscreen every two hours. Now, I’ve taken good note of it. And everyone should do the same.”
To respond to all questions, E.N.E.S. has eight neighborhood branches in Nice. Tel: 04.92.47.83.50
