The weather in Melbourne keeps changing all the time. In one day, you can experience the four seasons of the year. The sun is sometimes too hot and people head to the beaches in big numbers but there are certain things they have to be aware of before they fall sick because of the sun.
The sun is both good and bad. We need it to be able to see but it can cause different medical problems and some of them can be fatal (they can cause death).
Our bodies need vitamin D and the sun seems to be the best source for us to get it. Just walking in the sun for a few minutes every day is good enough for us to get plenty of vitamin D. Walking in the sun for a long time can cause skin problems for us and that is why many people use sunscreen and sunglasses to protect their bodies and eyes. They also use big hats for extra protection.
Vitamin D deficiency (not having enough vitamin D in your body) can cause many diseases. Some very old people don't leave their homes and their skin starts to disintegrate. They can easily get skin cuts even when they change their clothes because their skin is not healthy any more.
Some women dress in a way that covers most of their bodies for cultural and religious reasons and they don't get enough vitamin D.
People with a disability don't leave their homes for very long times and don't get exposed to the sunlight.
There are people who are scared of the dangers of direct sunlight and always try to cover their bodies when they get dressed because they don't want to end up getting skin cancer.
The sun can be really dangerous to us especially when UV (Ultraviolet) levels are high. This normally takes place between 12 and 2 o'clock in the afternoon. It is advisable that you take care if you expose your body to the sunlight during this time.
Children at school wear a uniform and a hat to protect themselves from direct sunlight and the heat on hot days from September to April. They are advised to apply sunscreen at home to give themselves extra protection.
People who have fair skin suffer more from the harms of the sun than those who have tanned or dark skin.
