Sun safety this summer: A message from Health Canada
Published on July 17, 2015
Before going out to enjoy the good weather this summer, make sure you are aware of the risks associated with prolonged exposure to the sun, and the measures you can take to protect yourself and your family. Please pass this information on to your organization’s members or feel welcome to post on your website, share through social media, or on bulletin boards. Find out more at Canada.ca.
Sun Safety Tips:
- Cover up. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Limit your time in the sun. Keep out of the sun and heat between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Look for places with lots of shade.
- Drink plenty of cool liquids (especially water) before you feel thirsty. Dehydration is dangerous, and thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.
- Tune into local radio and TV stations or check online for the Ultraviolet (UV) Index in your area. If it is 3 or higher, wear protective clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Use a sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher and follow the manufacturer's directions. Don't use sunscreen on a child less than 6 months old.
- When you buy sunglasses, make sure they provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Extreme heat can put your health at risk, causing illnesses like heat stroke and even death. During extreme heat, the most important thing is to keep cool and hydrated.
- Avoid using tanning beds. If you do use them, understand the risks and learn how to protect yourself.
Thank you for helping to keep Canadians safe and healthy!
Health Canada Atlantic Region
www.healthcanada.gc.ca
