BY APRIL GRENON
public health nurse, Sudbury and District Health Unit
It's Friday afternoon, the sun has finally come out to play and the air is warm. Before you know it, thoughts of summer bliss take over. You can't wait for the end of the work day.
All you can think of is spending time by the lake. Maybe you'll go fishing or for a ride on the quad. A nice trail hike would be enjoyable. But wait! Did you know that even just a few short hours in the sun can be bad news?
Sure, you've heard it all before. Protect yourself when you go out in the sun. But why? Because excessive sun exposure can lead to serious health concerns like skin cancer and cataracts.
Follow these simple steps to stay safe this summer:
1. Whether big or small, no adventure is complete without your sun safety gear in tow. Always apply a generous amount of sunscreen that has SPF 30+ to all exposed skin at least 20 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply the product every two hours as sweating and swimming cause the product to wash and rub off.
2. Hats are not just for children! Adults benefit from wearing sun hats too! A baseball cap does not adequately shade your face from the harmful effects of the sun. Wearing a wide-brimmed sun hat is recommended. Look for a hat that will provide shade to all areas of the face including the ears, nose, and neck.
3. If you will be outdoors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. seek shade from a nearby tree or structure for relief. The temperature in the shade will be much lower than in the sun, especially during the sun's peak hours.
4. Cover up. Choose long-sleeved, lightweight and tightly woven clothing. This type of clothing offers the best protection against harmful UV radiation.
5. Eyes need protection too. Choose wraparound sunglasses that offer 100% UVA and UVB protection.
6. If you work outdoors, you are at greater risk of developing skin cancer because of your increased exposure to UV rays. Despite the fact that 90 percent of skin cancers can be prevented by reducing exposure to ultraviolet rays, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in Canada. In fact, the Canadian Cancer Society estimates 69,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer for Canada in 2007.
The Sudbury & District Health Unit wants to help outdoor workers and their employers reduce the risk of skin cancer. In 2008, the workplace wellness team will collect data from outdoor workers in Northern Ontario.
The team will use the information to create resources for workers who are frequently exposed to the sun. If you or your staff would like information on sun safety or the outdoor worker project, please contact the workplace wellness team at 522-9200 ext. 290.
