USE YOUR SUN SENSE!

If you live in Manitoba, you know the sun is out in full force and summer has arrived. The temperature reached +30 this week and it is only May! If this is any indication of the kind of summer we Manitobans are going to have, it is going to be a hot one!

This long weekend might not be as hot as this past week, but even in cloudy weather, the suns rays can still be harmful to your skin. The Canadian Cancer Society reccomends using a little SunSense to protect you and your family from getting too much sun.

What you can do


If you can, plan your outdoor activities before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when the sun is not at its strongest, or any time of the day when the UV Index is 3 or less.


Remember, if your shadow’s shorter than you, it’s time to find some shade or go inside. If you can’t find shade, create your own. Take along an umbrella – that way you can have shade wherever you need it.


Babies need extra protection because their skin is very sensitive. It’s best to keep babies out of direct sunlight. Use clothing that covers their arms and legs, add a hat and put on a little sunscreen. Put the stroller, playpen or carriage in the shade – under trees or an umbrella.


Cover up


One of the best ways to make sure you don’t burn is to cover up. Choose clothing that is:

loose fitting – like a t-shirt

tightly woven

lightweight



Where's my hat?

Don’t forget to grab your hat on your way out! Most skin cancers happen on the face and neck. These areas need extra protection.
Wear a hat with a wide brim that covers your head, face, ears and neck. Hats like baseball caps won’t give you enough protection.
Put sunscreen on your ears, chin and neck even when you’re wearing a hat.



Wear your sunglasses

Sunglasses can help prevent damage to your eyes by blocking a large amount of UV rays. Keep your shades on and make sure your children wear them too. Choose sunglasses with:
even shading
medium to dark lenses (grey, brown or green tint)
UVA and UVB protection

Sunscreen – Don't leave home without it!

Sunscreen can’t block all the sun’s rays. Use it along with shade, clothing and hats, not instead of them. Use sunscreen as a backup in your sun protection plan.
Your sunscreen should have a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and if you work outdoors or are planning to be outside most of the day, use an SPF 30.

Look for “broad spectrum” on the label. This means that the sunscreen offers protection against both UVA and UVB ultraviolet rays.


Apply your sunscreen generously and at least 20 minutes before going outside. Read the label and follow the instructions for reapplying. Don’t forget to cover your nose, ears and the tops of your feet. Use a waterproof sunscreen if you’re in or near water.


Keep thes tips in mind this long weekend and all summerlong, including all your Relay events. We hope the sun is out and shining next Friday for Winnipeg's 9th annual Relay For Life!