MMSA's 'Reach on the Beach'

The Malta Medical Students' Association (MMSA) is organising the 'Reach on the Beach' campaign in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) and the Help-EU campaign.

'Reach on the Beach' aims to provide information on both protection against the sun's rays and smoking. This includes handing out leaflets and the use of visual aids during outreaches performed by medical students. The first of a string of such events was held recently at St George's Bay, St Julian's.

This campaign aims to inform the public of the dangers of high UV indices and to educate them on the signs and symptoms of melanoma. MMSA will also give information about the prevention and cessation of smoking.

Thanks to Help-EU, an initiative of the EU, MMSA members carry out carbon monoxide (CO) tests on both smokers and non-smokers, to obtain readings for CO levels in the blood. Carbon monoxide is one of the many components of cigarettes and cigarette smoke and it is a chemical that is responsible for low levels of oxygen in smokers' bloodstreams.

The MTA contributed by introducing portable and mobile ash trays for cleaner beaches.

There will be more 'Reach on the Beach' events in August and September.