June 14 to 18 is National Sun Awareness Week, a joint campaign between the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Dermatology Association to raise awareness of skin cancer and the importance of sun safety.
You can never be too sun-smart and there are some great tips and information on the Canadian Cancer Site site on how to avoid the most common cancer among Ontarians between ages 15 and 34 - melanoma - which is also one the EASIEST cancers to prevent.
Melanoma is both deadly and spreads easily to other parts of the body, yet a few simple lifestyle choices can help prevent it from every occurring. The following tips are from the Canadian Cancer Society site:
- Babies under one year should stay out of the sun. We had a thin netting screen that fit over our stroller and we always kept Gigi in the shade and we always dressed her from head-to-toe.
- Slip! Slap! Slop on the sunscreen! Protect children with a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher that protects against UVA and UVB rays and has the Canadian Dermatology Association's logo. Reapply the sunscreen often, especially after sweating and swimming. Pick parks that have shade or bring your own (umbrella, pop-up tent)
- Cover up, even if it's cloudy because the sun can still get you! Especially between between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Also take warning when the weather report indicates a UV Index™ is 3 or more.
- Inspect your body (you can turn this into a very fun activity with your significant other - just remember the purpose before getting distracted *wink*wink*nudge*nudge*. Check your skin often and let your doctor know of any changes.
- Be a role model for family members and friends. Wear proper sun-safe attire (wide-brim hats, sunglasses, loose-fitting clothes) and apply sunscreen and lip balm with SPF of 15 or higher.
- Don't Fake n' Bake! Artificial tanning beds and lamps are harmful like the real deal because they use UV rays and those pesky UV rays can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
This year my family started using the sunscreen regularly in May because OH MY GAWD the sun has been strong these days. It may not be warm out, but that sun can be vicious on our delicate skin. Yes folks, I am a pale princess and I passed this gene along to my daughter.
Remember to be sun-safe!
You have a very informative blog thank you so much for bringing up this.
sphin
Posted by: cosmetic surgery rancho cucamonga | July 20, 2009 at 05:53 AM