Enjoy the Sun Safely

How to enjoy the sun safely

It's fun to be outside on a hot, sunny day. The sun's rays feel good, but too much sun can end in a painful sunburn, and over time may lead to wrinkles, age spots, eye damage and skin cancer (which is the most common form of cancer in Canada). The number of people who are diagnosed with melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, is higher in our region than other parts of Ontario.

By following these steps, you can still enjoy your time outdoors and protect yourself from too much sun exposure:

Check the UV index and avoid peak hours:

• When the UV Index is 3 or higher, protect your skin as much as possible. In general, the UV Index in Canada can be higher from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. between April and September, even when it's cloudy.
• Whenever possible, plan outdoor activities for before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. between April and September.

Seek shade:

• Look for shaded areas, like under a tree, or create your own shade.
• Don't be fooled by cloudy, foggy or hazy days, as over 80% of UV rays can still get through light cloud cover.
• Be cautious of reflected sun (e.g., from water, snow, sand, pavement, and walls).

Cover up:

• Wear loose, tightly woven clothing to protect as much of your skin as possible.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat (7.5 cm or 3 inches) that protects your head, face, ears, and neck.
• Wear sunglasses or eyeglasses with UV-protective lenses when outdoors all year round. 

Use sunscreen:

• Apply a broad-spectrum UVA and UVB, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Use a sunscreen lip balm to protect lips.
• Apply generously and make sure you apply to the most often forgotten body areas: upper and lower back, tips of ears, neck and tops of feet.
• Reapply after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
• Apply sunscreen before other skin products.

Babies (under 1 year):

• Babies burn more easily than adults. They have sensitive skin that is thinner than adult skin. Sunburns not only hurt and cause skin damage, but they can also cause dehydration and fever in infants
  
• Keep babies out of direct sunlight by finding a heavily shaded spot, or by creating your own shade using a stroller with a hood or canopy.
  
• Dress babies in loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that covers the legs and arms, and a sun hat with a wide brim.
  
• On babies over 6 months, use small amounts of sunscreen on exposed skin that is not covered by clothing. Choose a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays, and is water-resistant with a SPF of at least 30 or higher.
• Before using sunscreen on your baby for the first time, test a small amount of sunscreen on your baby's inner arm, and check for a reaction up to 48 hours later.
  

Children and youth:

• A child's skin is thinner and more sensitive. Even a short time outside in the midday sun can lead to sunburn.
  
• Children aged 6 to 12 years spend more time outdoors than any other age group.
  
• Sunburns and sun exposure during childhood and teenage years increases the risk for skin cancer.
  

Resources:

New Family Rule (video)