Sun Protection

Wednesday, July 31, 2013, 2:59 PM - You can still enjoy the great outdoors - just remember to take a few simple precautions, particularly if you work or play outside, especially at the beach or on snow.

• Protect your eyes with wrap-around sunglasses (or ones with side shields) that are UV-rated.
• Try to spend less time in the sun. Seek shade especially in spring and summer from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are wearing fewer clothes or swimming, limit the time you spend in the sun by staying in the shade.
• Wear clothes that cover your skin.
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat.
• Wear sunscreen on skin that is not covered, especially if you are light-skinned. Your sunscreen should block both UV-B and UV-A and have an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15. Be sure to reapply it often, especially after swimming or exercising.

Be Extra Careful When
• At the beach
• In spring and summer
• In the middle of the day
• On snow-covered surfaces
• On holidays:
    — Winter sun vacations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii and other tropical destinations bring you closer to the equator, where UV is stronger. Wintertime UV in the tropics can be as strong as UV in Canada in July. On vacation you'll also likely wear fewer clothes and visit the beach where UV reflects off the sand.

    — Skiing and other outdoor winter fun can also increase your exposure to UV. Reflection off fresh snow nearly doubles UV, and, if you are skiing in the mountains, you will receive more UV due to the elevation. Likewise, activities such as mountain biking or hiking in the mountains will also expose you to more UV rays because of elevation.

Information Courtesy of Environment Canada