Wednesday, June 04, 2014
Canadian Cancer Society
Canadian Cancer Society Gives Top 10 Tips for Sun Safety During National Sun Awareness Week
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Canada. Many skin cancers can be prevented. The single most effective way to lower the risk of developing skin cancer is to reduce your exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR).
You can enjoy healthy outdoor activities as long as you protect yourself from the sun. Take steps to protect yourself from the sun’s rays before going outside. It is also important to protect against UV rays all year round, not just in the summer.
Here are the top ten sun safety tips you should know for National Sun Awareness Week (June 2-8):
Check the UV index
- Check the UV index before going outside. When the UV index is 3 (moderate) or higher, wear protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Be especially careful on holidays. Tropical destinations such as Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean are closer to the equator where UVR is stronger.
- The sun’s rays are also stronger at high altitudes.
Reduce sun exposure
- Try to reduce sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest, or any time of the day when the UV index is 3 or more.
- During these hours, your shadow is shorter than you are and the sun is strong.
- If possible, plan outdoor activities before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. If you are concerned about sun protection before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m., check the UV index for your city that day to see what times it is expected to be over 3.
- Be aware that exposure to UVR can occur through glass.
- Glass windows can filter ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, but ultraviolet A (UVA) rays can pass through ordinary untinted glass (such as a car windshield).
Seek shade or create your own shade
- Seek shade or create your own shade when outside, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Be prepared to make your own shade by taking along an umbrella.
- Trees and hedges can provide excellent shade. How much shade will depend on the density and the type of plant.
- Stand-alone structures, like a garden tent or a gazebo, are an easy and effective way to add shade to a garden area. Adding a retractable awning to a home or installing a porch roof are other ways to add shade. They can offer more permanent sun protection.
- Be aware that sunlight bouncing off reflective surfaces, such as snow, pavement or water, can reach beneath an umbrella or a tree.
- UV rays can pass through scattered and light cloud cover, fog, haze and smog.
Wear clothing to cover your arms and legs
- Cover your arms and legs. Wear loose-fitting and tightly woven clothing that protects exposed skin from the sun, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts and long skirts.
- Some clothing is specially made to protect you from UV rays (sun-protective clothing).
Wear a wide-brimmed hat
Most skin cancers occur on the face and neck. These areas need extra protection.- Wear a hat with a wide brim or a legionnaire-style hat that covers your head, face, ears and neck.
- Hats without a wide brim, like baseball caps, do not provide enough protection.
- Put sunscreen on your ears, chin and neck even when wearing a hat.
Wear sunglasses
Wear sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection to prevent eye damage. Wraparound sunglasses are best.
Use sunscreen
Sunscreen protects you from the sun by absorbing or blocking UV rays. It should be used along with shade, clothing and hats, not instead of them. Use sunscreen as a backup in your sun protection plan.- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
- Apply sunscreen generously, at least 20 minutes before going outside. Follow the instructions on the sunscreen for reapplying, especially after swimming, exercising or sweating.
Protect yourself when playing or working outdoors
- Wear sportswear or clothing that covers as much of the skin as possible.
- When swimming or snorkelling for a long period of time, it is best to wear clothing that covers the arms, back and upper thighs (such as a wetsuit). Wear water-resistant sunscreen on all exposed areas. Your skin can still be damaged under the water.
- Don’t forget about sun protection when doing winter sports. Skiers, snowboarders and tobogganers can be exposed to extra UV rays because they reflect off snow and are stronger at higher elevations.
- As much as possible, schedule outdoor activity to avoid the hours of greatest UV exposure.
Protect babies and children
It is important to protect children from the sun.- It is best to keep babies out of direct sunlight. Keep them protected in a covered stroller, under an umbrella or in the shade.
- Try to keep toddlers and children out of direct sun from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or any time of the day when the UV index is 3 or more.
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher to children at least 20 minutes before they go outside.
Don’t use indoor tanning equipment
There is no safe way to get a tan. Do not use indoor tanning equipment. Just like the sun, tanning beds and sun lamps release UV rays that cause sunburn, damage skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. Their strength may be many times higher than natural sunlight.
For more information, visit cancer.ca.
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