Be Sun Savvy
Beat the heat... safely.
Remember when a golden tan was the ultimate symbol of health, wellness and a robust nature? Well, now we know better. In fact, that same tan is a very accurate predictor of wrinkles, premature aging and life-threatening skin cancer according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
UV Radiation reaching the earth’s surface is largely composed of long-wavelength UVA with a small amount of the shorter wavelength UVB. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to sunburns and skin cancer and can suppress your immune system making you even more vulnerable to the development of skin cancer.
Sun Protection
There are two basic types of sunscreens; absorbers and reflectors. Some sunscreens act by absorbing UV rays through a chemical reaction within the skin. Other sunscreens act as a physical barrier to the UV rays, which reflect them away from the skin.
What is an SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. Sunscreens are rated or classified by the strength of their SPF. The SPF numbers on the packaging can range from as low as 2 to greater than 50.
Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 25 or higher. “Broad-spectrum” sunscreens are best because they block out both UVA and UVB rays. Sun protection factor is a measure of protection not length of time and will vary depending on your skin type: the fairer your skin the more quickly you burn. The SPF indicates the amount of protection a sunscreen offers and relates to the length of time it takes for sunburn to occur. SPF 15 or more will provide 15 times the protection compared to that if you had no sunscreen. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outside.
Wearing sunscreen allows you to stay outdoors longer without getting burned, but it also may provide a false sense of security. No product gives 100% protection, so you’ll still have to keep track of how long you’re in the sun. Be “sun wary”, at all times, in other words.
Ways To Avoid Too Much Sun
• Limit time in the midday sun. The sun’s UV rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Wear protective clothing including hats and sunglasses.
• Use sunscreen of sun protection factor 15 or higher.
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning parlours.
Source: World Health Organization
Hot Weather Precautions
Severe heat may cause illness or even death. When temperatures rise to extreme highs, reduce risks by taking the following precautions.
• Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible.
• Drink plenty of fluids but avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.
• Eat more frequently but make sure meals are balanced and light.
• Never leave any person or pet in an enclosed vehicle.
• Avoid dressing babies in heavy clothing or wrapping them in warm blankets.
• Check frequently on people who are elderly, ill or may need help.
• Make sure pets have plenty of water.
• If you take prescription medications, check with your doctor about the effects of sun and heat exposure.
• Cover windows or close blinds over windows that receive morning or afternoon sun.
If You Venture Outdoors
• Plan strenuous outdoor activities for early or late in the day when temperatures are cooler.
• Take frequent breaks when working outdoors.
• Look for shaded areas to enjoy outdoor activities.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun block and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes when outdoors.
• At first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), move to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention immediately if you do not feel better.
• Wear sunglasses with UV (ultraviolet) protection.
• Protect yourself against mosquito bites. Take precautions outdoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Remove standing water around your house to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
• Use insect repellent containing 10% DEET or less, or approved alternatives, and follow product instructions.
We all like to work, play and relax outside on a sunny day. And by using a variety of sun protection measures you can decrease your exposure to the damaging effects of the sun.
Resources:
The Public Health Agency of Canada has a number of short articles on staying safe in the summer heat.
http://www.safecanada.ca/link_e.asp?category=18&topic=126
Canadian Red Cross Heat Info Hotline 416.480.2615 or via their website at http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=009500&tid=069:new
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
