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Remember to slip, slop, slap THE Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) is reminding people to be sun smart this year. Skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Australia, RDAA president Dr Megan Belot said. “Melanoma rates are higher in regional, rural and remote areas than in the cities,” she said. “Rural doctors have excellent skin cancer diagnosis and management skills. “We have so many patients who have spent a lot of time in the sun, and who often haven’t taken enough precautions to protect themselves.” This summer, Dr Belot is calling for people, especially those in rural areas, to take charge of their health and protect themselves from the sun. “While as a doctor it can be very satisfying to identify a melanoma early and cut that sucker out, for patients this is significantly less appealing…so it is best to protect your skin in the first place,” she said. “Nowadays the words to remember are slip, slop, slap, seek, slide – seeking shade and sliding on sunnies have been added as they are essential in the Australian climate.” Dr Belot recommends using sunscreen that is at least 30SPF ever day, as well as a shirt and a hat. Skin checks are also important to remember, she said. “It is also important to get regular skin checks, so make an appointment to see your local rural doctor with skin cancer skills – they can give you a thorough check-over and identify as early as possible any potential skin cancers.”
Draft guidelines of GHG emissions released by EPA ENVIRONMENT Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has released draft guidance for managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for public consultation. When finalised, the document will be a ‘How To’ for Victorian businesses, giving practical advice, examples and case studies so they can understand their greenhouse gas emissions and take reasonable actions to meet their responsibilities. While the state government works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the state level, this document is designed to equip individual businesses to make a measurable difference at the factory, shop or office. The Draft guideline for managing greenhouse gas emissions follows the commencement of Victoria’s Environment Protection Act 2017 on July 1, 2021. Central to this Act is a general environmental duty (GED) that requires all Victorians to proactively manage risks to human health and the environment. “Greenhouse gas emissions are produced by all businesses and pose risks to our environment and human health because they contribute to climate change risks,’ EPA chief executive officer Lee Miezis said. “Under Victoria’s new environment protection laws, GHG emissions are defined as waste, and businesses with direct or indirect GHG emissions need to understand and manage their emissions to minimise risks. “EPA’s final guidance will aim to help businesses assess their GHG emissions and implement controls to minimise risks as far as reasonably practicable.” Public consultation on EPA’s draft GHG guidance is open until 5pm Tuesday, February 8, 2022. Submissions can be lodged electronically via the Engage Victoria website. Final guidance is expected to be published in August 2022.
Be sun smart: Rural Doctors Association of Australia president Dr Megan Belot is urging people to slip, slop, slap this summer. photograph supplied
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Page 14 — The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 12 January, 2022
