Beat the Burn: Stay Protected All Season

With summer in full swing here in Tauranga, enjoying the outdoors is a given. However, our region experiences some of the strongest UV radiation globally, making sun protection critical to safeguard against skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer. At Bureta Pharmacy Shop, we're here to help you and your family stay protected this summer.

Why Sun Protection Matters in Our Region

We have some of the highest melanoma rates in the world, with non-melanoma skin cancers on the rise as well. Protecting yourself from UV exposure is the best defence against these risks. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV radiation can reach your skin, making daily sun protection essential year-round.

Daily Sun Protection: Sunscreen Is Your First Line of Defence

A good sunscreen is your most important tool against UV damage. Here's how to use it effectively:

Choose the right sunscreen. Look for a broad-spectrum, water-resistant formula with SPF 30+ or higher. This protects against both UVA and UVB rays, which cause sunburn, premature skin ageing, and increase cancer risk.
Apply it properly. Most people don't use enough sunscreen. Apply it generously 20 minutes before going outside to allow it to bind to the skin. Don't forget commonly missed spots like your ears, the back of your neck, and the tops of your feet.
Reapply regularly. Sunscreen wears off, especially with swimming, sweating, or physical activity. Reapply every two hours, and more frequently if you're in and out of the water.
Check the expiry date. Sunscreen loses effectiveness over time. Check the expiration date before use, and store it according to the label instructions to maintain its protective qualities.

If you're unsure which sunscreen to choose, our team at Bureta Pharmacy Shop can help. We offer a range of sunscreens suitable for all skin types and family needs at competitive prices.

Beyond Sunscreen: Complete Sun Protection

While sunscreen is essential, it works best as part of a comprehensive sun-smart approach:

Dress for sun protection. Wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck, and ears. Choose long-sleeved shirts and long trousers or skirts made from tightly woven fabric. Don't forget UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes from harmful rays.
Monitor UV levels daily. Follow your local weather app for daily UV index levels. UV radiation is typically strongest from September to April, and when the UV index reaches 3 or above, sun protection is essential.
Seek shade during peak hours. The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whenever possible, plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. If you must be outside during peak hours, seek shade under trees, umbrellas, or shelters.

Special Care for Young Skin

Babies and young children have delicate skin that's far more susceptible to sun damage than adult skin. Keep babies under 12 months out of direct sunlight during peak hours, and dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, sun hats, and sunglasses designed for infants.

For older children, make sun protection fun. Let them choose their own sun hat or colourful rashie for swimming. Lead by example by applying your own sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.

Educate Your Family About Sun Safety

Teaching your family, especially children, about the importance of sun protection creates lifelong healthy habits. Explain why we need to protect our skin, not just that we have to. Make it part of your daily routine, just like brushing teeth.

Encourage children to apply their own sunscreen (with supervision) and remind each other to reapply. Turn sun safety into a positive family value rather than a chore.

Storing and Using Sunscreen Effectively

To ensure your sunscreen remains effective throughout the summer:

Store it properly. Keep sunscreen in a cool place, as heat can break down the active ingredients and reduce effectiveness. Don't leave it in a hot car or in direct sunlight at the beach.
Use it correctly. Sunscreen reduces UV exposure but doesn't eliminate it entirely. Don't use sunscreen as a way to extend your time in the sun beyond what's safe. Combine it with shade, clothing, and timing your outdoor activities wisely.

Enjoy Summer Safely

Summer is a wonderful time to be outside, and with the right sun protection habits, you can make the most of it safely. Whether you're heading to the beach, working in the garden, or simply running errands around Tauranga, protecting your skin should be part of your daily routine.

If you need help selecting the right sunscreen for your family or have questions about sun protection, we'd love to help. Drop by Bureta Pharmacy Shop or give our friendly team a call on 07 576 9600. We're here to offer personalised advice to keep your skin safe and healthy all season long.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. It is not intended as medical or health advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional who understands your individual medical needs.

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

Causes of swallowing difficulties

Swallowing difficulties can happen at any age. There are a wide range of causes for them, including:

some medicines, such as antipsychotics
heartburn and acid reflux
cancer, such as mouth or throat cancers
nervous system or brain disorders
muscle disorders
blockages or structural issues with your mouth, throat or oesophagus.

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties may include:

coughing or choking when eating or drinking
bringing food back up, may be through your nose
the feeling that food is stuck in your throat
having issues chewing your food
problems with dribbling.

Swallowing difficulties can cause weight loss, dehydration and chest infections.

Diagnosing swallowing difficulties

Let your healthcare provider know if you have swallowing difficulties. They will ask you about your symptoms and check if any other health conditions you have may be the cause.

Your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist for tests. These may include a:

gastroscopy—a camera is passed down through your mouth to look at your throat and stomach
swallowing study—your throat and stomach are x-rayed as you swallow small amounts of food.

Treating swallowing difficulties

How your swallowing difficulties are treated depends on the cause and how severe it is. Treatments may include:

medicines to treat acid reflux
swallowing therapy with a speech and language therapist
making changes to what you eat and drink, such as softer foods and using thickener in drinks
using special spoons, plates and cups
surgery to widen your oesophagus.
using special medication lubricants eg Gloup to help make it easier to swallow tablets etc. For more information click here.

Self care for swallowing difficulties

As well as seeing your healthcare provider, the following tips may help you to get food or liquids into your stomach.

Sit upright in a chair—at a table is best.
Have regular small meals instead of the main large meals.
Eat or drink small mouthfuls at a time.
If your voice is gurgly when you eat or drink, give a small cough to make sure your airway is clear.
Wet food will be easier to swallow as dry food can catch in your throat.
If your food has 2 consistencies, such as fruit in juice and cereal in milk, try to mix it into 1 consistency, or eat the solid and liquid portions separately.
Concentrate on eating and avoid talking.
Hot, ice-cold or fizzy liquids are easier to swallow than room temperature liquids.
If you are told to have thickened liquids, avoid ice-cream and jelly as they thin before swallowing.
Drink from the top half of you cup to avoid tipping your head back.

Have a look at our range of Gloup medication lubricants here which can help with difficulties swallowing tablets...

Bureta Pharmacy Shop

We're 'the little pharmacy with the big heart' - our slogan explains our attitude - small in size but big in attitude, we like to go the extra mile for our customers!