According to the 2015-2016 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) conducted by Statistics Canada less than half of those twelve years and older in Simcoe Muskoka appropriately protect themselves from the sun.

You are most at risk for skin cancer if you have had two or more blistering sunburns as a child or adolescent.

Protect your skin and eyes. Here’s how

Check the daily UV forecast. When the UV index is 3 or higher protect your skin as much as possible. Limit your time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when harmful UV rays are primarily present even on a cloudy day.

Cover up.Wear a wide brimmed hat that shades the face, neck, and ears and light-coloured loose- fitting clothes covering as much of the body as possible (e.g. long sleeved shirt and pants).

Use a “broad spectrum” “water resistant” sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply a generous amount to uncovered skin. Reapply after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Don’t forget a sunscreen lip balm. Look for a product with the Canadian Dermatology Association logo on it.

Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under the age of 6 months.

Seek shade or bring your own e.g. an umbrella.

Protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses or prescription eyeglasses with UV-protective lenses.

Avoid using tanning beds or deliberately trying to get a sun tan and avoid getting a sun burn. Remember no tan is a safe tan!

Use sources of vitamin D that are safer than exposing yourself to UV rays.

Check out the Sun Safety page at Government of Canada for more facts and tips about sun protection.

(Canadian Journal Public Health 2016)