Be sun smart

Clear blue skies and bright sunlight after a long winter bring everyone outdoors and into the sunshine.

Enjoy the sun and warmth of the spring and summer but be sure to protect yourself.

As our days get longer and the sun shines brighter, remember to protect yourself against harmful UV rays. Repeated exposure to UV radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, premature aging of the skin and cataracts.

Everyone is at risk of skin cancer, but those people who are at increased risk include:

• people who work or play outdoors
• fair skinned people who sunburn easily
• people with several moles
• anyone with a family history of melanoma

Most skin cancers are curable if treated early and most skin cancers can be prevented by protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays.

Minimize skin exposure

• Plan outdoor activity before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are weakest.
• Protect yourself when out in the sun between 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. during April to September.

Seek Shade

• Seek shade especially between 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Create your own shade with umbrellas, etc.

Cover up

• Wear clothing to cover your arms and legs.
• Wear a wide brimmed hat to shade your face and neck.

Wear sunglasses

• Choose sunglasses with even shading and medium to dark lenses (grey, brown or green tint)
• Be sure your sunglasses have UVA and UVB protection

Use sunscreen

• Sunscreen should be used in conjunction with shade, clothing, hats and sunglasses, not instead of them.
• Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher that has both UVA and UVB protection.
• Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours.

Protect young children

• Keep babies under one year of age out of the direct sun.
• A child in a stroller, playpen or carriage should be kept in the shade.

Avoid indoor tanning

• Tanning salons do not give you a safe tan.
• Skin damage, such as sunburns, premature aging and cataracts can still happen from a tanning bed.