MARCH 2004 SPECIAL EDITION

WARNING:  Don't Head For The Beach Until You Read This!

The beach beckons. Palm trees sway captivatingly. The sound of waves crashing upon the sandy shore puts you in a state of bliss. You�ve no more than taken a quick dip when suddenly blinding pain brings you crashing back to shore. What could possibly have happened? It�s very likely that a jellyfish has just stung you.

Beach beauty with a bite

Every year an estimated 130 million people are stung by jellyfish. There are over 300 species of jellyfish and are most commonly seen in warm waters. In tropical beaches, jellyfish can be a year-round concern.

Jellyfish have remained simple organisms in over 600 million years of evolution, long before the dinosaurs existed. But they have complex stinging mechanisms which make them fearsome predators.

There�s something in the skin of humans that trigger stinging cells located on the jellyfish tentacles. The stinging cells contain poison-laden tubules held under extremely high pressure, about 100 times the pressure in a car tire.

When stinging cells sense a nearby target, they release millions of tubules at an acceleration similar to a bullet fired from a gun. Like a multi-headed poisonous arrow, the tubules bury themselves into the skin.

The signs of jellyfish sting include long red streaks, pain, redness, ulceration and swelling. A few unlucky bathers can develop severe allergic reactions and may even have life-threatening symptoms especially if they receive multiple stings.

Sea lice

Larval forms of thimble jellyfish, no larger than a fleck of black pepper, float freely throughout the ocean water. Often called sea lice, jellyfish larvae contain the same fearful poisonous stinging cells. Beach swimmers can trap thousands of these tiny floating sea lice under their suit. The stinging mechanism is triggered by pressure changes and friction.

Sea lice stings are commonly called seabather�s eruption. These are the itchy, lumpy, bumpy rash under the T-shirt, bathing suit or around the neckline (wherever long wet hair might cling).

It usually goes unnoticed at the start, but later develops into a noticeable itchy red rash. Very often, unsuspecting bathers have no idea whatsoever why they got the rashes.

To avoid getting seabather�s eruption:

* Do not shower with fresh water with your wet suit on;

* Do not ride home in your wet suit;

* Do remove your bathing suit ASAP and change into another

Secrets of clownfish revealed

The novel solution to a common problem is available in nature all along. The Clownfish, a pretty tropical orange fish with white and black stripes (made famous by the movie Finding Nemo) makes a habit of hiding amongst the tentacles of sea anemone to escape predators. Sea anemones, sea nettles, corals and jellyfish all possess the same toxic stinging cells.

If a Clownfish can play hide-and-seek unharmed by marine stingers, why can�t swimmers? Clownfish have a protective coating that neutralizes the firing mechanism in the stinging cells.

After ten years of extensive biotechnological research by Israeli scientists, it is now possible to protect yourself against the stings of most jellyfish, jellyfish larvae, coral and sea anemones.

Godiva Safe Sea contains the same blend of ingredients that coat the Clownfish. Don�t worry, there are no Clownfish in the product, only recreated ingredients made to match.

For simplicity and added benefits, Godiva Safe Sea is a 2-in-1 product with SPF 30 sun protection, or SPF 30+ for Kids. Godiva Safe Sea is a must for anyone traveling to the beach.

Apply Godiva Safe Sea thoroughly. A missed spot may be stung. In waters infested with sea lice, Godiva Safe Sea should also be applied under the bathing suit. Reapply after prolonged swimming and after you have towel-dried.

Make your day at the beach a truly memorable and enjoyable one. Be sure to bring Godiva Safe Sea � for full protection from jellyfish stings and seabather�s eruption.

Godiva Safe Sea is available at leading drugstores and supermarkets in the Philippines.    Available SOON at Godiva online stores. For more information, e-mail      [email protected]  or [email protected] or visit www.nidaria.com.

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