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Tips from the Canadian Cancer Society about
Shade from the Sun, Protecting Children from the Sun and Sunscreen Use
Not all
shade is created equal
Most people know
that when spending time outside, it is important
to wear sunscreen. But even while wearing
sunscreen, it's still important to play it safe
and seek shade from the sun.
Much of the UV radiation
we receive is indirect – redirected by particles
in the air and by reflective surfaces such as
sand and water. Shade is the best way to protect
you and your family.
"Creating shade is one of
the most effective ways to help reduce the risk
of sun overexposure," said Sylvia Leonard,
Senior Director, Cancer Control, Canadian Cancer
Society. "This includes creating shade around
your home as well as in open spaces such as
parks and beaches."
Aside from natural shade,
stand-alone structures such as tents and gazebos
are an easy and cost-effective way to add shade
to a garden area. Many stores sell gazebo and
tent kits at a reasonable cost. Building an
awning or using a large umbrella to cover decks
and porches are also easy and cost-effective
ways to create shade.
When at a park or beach,
create your own shade by wearing a wide-brimmed
hat, 100% UV protection sunglasses and light,
loose-fitting clothing that cover your arms and
legs. And bring a large umbrella, especially
between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. – when the sun is at
its strongest.
For more information,
contact the Society's Cancer Information Service
at 1 888 939-3333 or visit
www.cancer.ca
Show your SunSense: protect your children
Every summer, Kelly
Fitzgerald's five-year-old son and four-year-old
daughter love to spend time outside. But she,
like many other parents, is conscientious about
protecting them from the sun – especially since
research suggests that exposure to the sun's
rays during early childhood is the most harmful.
So, she doesn't let them out without slopping on
the sunscreen and slapping on a hat.
"It's part of our
routine. The kids know that before going out
they have to put on a hat and put on sunscreen.
And I let them pick out interesting hats to make
it fun," said Fitzgerald, from her Peterborough
home. "And I make sure I put sunscreen on myself
so the kids know that I lead by example."
To protect you and your
family from the sun, the Canadian Cancer Society
recommends:
• Slip on light,
loose-fitting clothing, slap on a wide-brimmed
hat and slop on sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher
at least 20 minutes before going outside.
Reapply every two hours. If children are
sweating heavily or playing in or near water,
make sure to use a waterproof sunscreen and
apply it more frequently.
• Apply sunscreen before
putting on bathing suits to avoid burns to the
tops of thighs and chest.
• Keep babies out of
direct sunlight and protected in a covered
stroller, under an umbrella or in the shade.
Arms and legs should be protected with light,
loose-fitting clothes.
• Avoid being in the sun
when its rays are most intense between 11 a.m.
and 4 p.m.
• Enjoy play locations
that include shade, and in open areas such as
beaches, bring an umbrella to create your own
shade.
• Remember to apply
sunscreen on cloudy days because the sun's rays
are still harmful.
• Be a good role model.
If you practice sensible sun habits, your
children will too.
For more information
about protecting your family from the sun,
contact the Society's Cancer Information Service
at 1 888 939-3333 or visit
www.cancer.ca
Make the
most of your sunscreen
Sunscreen is one
word most people know but how you apply it is
key to whether it will be effective in
protecting you from the sun's harmful rays.
Although no sunscreen offers complete
protection, many people don't apply enough
sunscreen to get its full sun protection factor
(SPF) benefits.
"You can enjoy healthy
activities while in the sun but it's important
to be generous in applying sunscreen," said
Sylvia Leonard, Senior Director, Cancer Control,
Canadian Cancer Society. "Effective protection
means covering all exposed skin with sunscreen."
Sunscreen contains
substances that provide a barrier between your
skin and the sun's ultraviolet rays. These
substances help reduce the risk of burns,
premature aging and pre-cancerous lesions that
can lead to skin cancer.
To make the most of your
sunscreen, the Canadian Cancer Society
recommends the following tips:
• Use a broad-spectrum
sunscreen for both ultraviolet A and B rays with
an SPF 15 or higher. Look for products with the
Canadian Dermatology Association's logo and ask
a doctor or pharmacist for help choosing the
right one.
• If you have skin that
burns easily and tans poorly, light coloured
eyes and fair or red hair, choose a sunscreen
with a higher SPF. The more likely you are to
burn, the higher the SPF you will need.
• Sunscreen should be
applied at least 20 minutes before you go out to
allow the active ingredients to soak into your
skin. It should be reapplied generously and
often (every 2 hours), especially after swimming
or sweating.
• Don't forget your ears,
nose, neck and any bald spots, as these are
areas where skin cancers most often occur.
• Your lips need
protection too. Use an SPF 15 sunscreen lip balm
and reapply when needed.
• Remember to apply
sunscreen on cloudy days because the sun's rays
are still harmful.
For more information on
SunSense, call the Society's Cancer Information
Service at 1 888 939-3333 or visit www.cancer.ca.
- News Canada
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