Tips & Tricks for Sun Safety While Being SummerActive

After Canada’s long winter natural sunlight and warmer summer temperatures feel good, but it is important remember that too much exposure to the sun’s rays can cause skin and eye problems. So, to stay safe in the sun, here are some ‘SunSense’ tips, courtesy of the Canadian Cancer Society:

• Protect yourself and your family, particularly between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are at their strongest, or any time of the day when the UV Index is 3 or more.
• If you can’t find shade, create your own by taking along an umbrella or at least a wide-brimmed hat to cover your face and neck.
• Don’t forget your hat! Most skin cancers happen on the face and neck, so these areas need extra protection. Baseball caps don’t give you enough protection, so opt for a hat with a wide brim that covers your head, face, ears and neck.
• Keep babies under 12 months out of the direct sun. Babies need extra protection because their skin is sensitive. Put the stroller, playpen or carriage in the shade – under trees, a covered porch or an umbrella for example.
• Cover your skin to protect it from the sun. Choose clothing that is loose fitting (like a t-shirt), tightly woven, and lightweight or breathable.
• Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and choose SPF 30 if you work outdoors or will be outside for most of the day.
• Look for sunscreen that says it’s ‘broad spectrum’ on the label. This means that the sunscreen offers protection against both types of ultraviolet rays – UVA and UVB.
• Apply sunscreen generously, at least 20 minutes before going outdoors so it has time to be fully absorbed into your skin for maximum sun protection.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’ve been swimmingor perspiring.
• No sunscreen can block all of the sun’s rays, so use a combination of sunscreen, shade, proper clothing and a hat to be the safest. Sunscreen alone is not an adequate sun protection strategy.
• Wear your sunglasses. Sunglasses can help prevent damage to your eyes by blocking a large amount of ultraviolet rays.
• Choose sunglasses with even shading, medium to dark lenses (grey, brown or green tint), and both UVA and UVB protection. You don’t have to buy expensive sunglasses to get these important safety features.
• Check your skin regularly for any changes in color, texture or blemishes. Over time, exposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer. Get to know the skin you’re in and report any changes to your doctor!

For more information about practising SunSense, please visit www.hc-sc.gc.ca, www.cancer.ca or www.safekid.org/sun1.htm.

Fast Facts About the UV Index

• Environment Canada’s UV Index predicts how strong the ultraviolet (UV) rays will be each day. The Index ranges from 0 to 11 – the higher the number, the stronger the rays.
• When UV readings are 3 or higher in a particular region, warnings are issued as part of the daily weather forecast.
• A UV level greater than 3 means some level of sun protection is needed.
• UV ratings of 3 to 5 are moderate – a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended if you are going to be outside for 30 minutes or more.
• Readings of 6 to 7 are high – at very high levels (8 to 10), unprotected skin can burn quickly.
• Extreme readings (11 and higher) seldom happen in Canada, but do occur in regions like the southern United States.

[Source: Healthy Living Spotlight, complied by Laura Ramsay]