Free sunscreen for everyone: Model from the Netherlands conquered Germany!

Free sunscreen for everyone: Model from the Netherlands conquered Germany!

Katwijk an der Nordsee, Niederlande - In recent years, the number of skin cancer cases in the Netherlands has more than doubled. One more reason to deal intensively with the topic of sun protection. As the [merkur.de] (https://www.merkur.de/ consciousness/das-koenne-sich-deutschland-undinded-an-heissen-tagen-von-denlanden-abtwucken-93803798.html), the country is already on innovative measures to counteract this. Free sunscreen donors are provided at different places such as beaches, schools and festivals. This initiative aims to facilitate access to sun protection for everyone and to bring children closer to the importance of snapping.

The idea comes from the Venlo-Venray hospital, which installed disinfectant dispensers on the beaches during the corona pandemic. Now these donors are filled with sunscreen to reduce sunburns and their consequences. In the municipality of Katwijk on the North Sea, 120 primary schools are already equipped with the donors, also in parks and at large events these practical helpers can be found.

Enlightenment is the key

The dermatologist Karen van Poppelen emphasizes how important sun protection is, especially in view of the fact that about every fifth Dutchman will develop skin cancer in the course of his life. The main cause of this is sunburns that are often underestimated. In order to raise awareness, children at schools receive learning packages with information about the risks of skin cancer.

The Enlightenment is just as important as the provision of sunscreen. The tagesschau.de reports on the places where the donors can be found, including the bathing resorts Domburg, Zoutelande and Egmond. These measures run not only in schools, but also at parks and festivals, where every visitor will soon have the opportunity to supply themselves with sunscreen at any time.

a model for Germany?

In Germany, on the other hand, sun protection usually remains a personal matter. The HautkrebspraeVravention.de indicates that a nationwide range of solar protection opportunities would also be urgently needed in this country. So far, political will has been missing to adapt the Dutch model. Such an initiative could not only strengthen awareness of sun protection, but above all raise awareness of children and adolescents how important it is to protect themselves from sunburn and skin cancer.

In addition to the sunscreen donors, it is recommended that people with light skin and children use at least light protection factor 30. And not even: 30 minutes before sunbathing the cream should be applied generously and regularly. Even if sunscreen helps to protect against sunburn, this is often not enough to severely reduce the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, protective clothing and shadow also play a major role.

Overall, it can be hoped that Germany can learn from the Netherlands and introduce similar programs to promote the skin health of its citizens. The awareness of the dangers of the sun should reach every generation and, above all, shape the youngest.