Sun Awareness

SUN AWARENESS

By Trevor Shewfelt, Pharmacist at the Dauphin Clinic Pharmacy

We now have this and most other articles published in the Parkland Shopper on our Website. Please visit us at www.dcp.mb.ca

The information in this article is intended as a helpful guide only. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional advice. If you have any questions about your medications and what is right for you see your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional.

As I write this, it is raining outside. It is supposed to rain tomorrow as well. I am sure that summer will show up soon and that when you read this, you will be sweating. Remember though: Summer is great. The outdoors are great. Skin cancer is not so great.

Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in Canada, and the fastest growing cancer in the world. In 2000 68,000 Canadians were diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, and 3,700 with malignant melanoma, the more aggressive form of the disease. In 2003 the estimates are 75,000 Canadians with non-melanoma skin cancer and 3,900 with malignant melanoma. Since 1988 the death rate from malignant melanoma is up 41% for men and 23% in women. The Canadian Cancer Society says that anyone born today has a one in seven chance of getting skin cancer in their lifetime.

The Canadian Dermatology Association has proclaimed May 30-June 5, 2005 “Sun Awareness Week” but it is something we should be careful with all summer. Here are some of the CDA’s recommendations:
Reduce sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sun's rays are at their strongest between these hours. It's easy to remember - during these hours your shadow is shorter than you are. If you can, plan your outdoor activities before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Seek shade or create your own shade. When you are outside - especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. - try to stay in the shade. Be prepared for places without any shade by taking along an umbrella. With an umbrella you can create shade wherever you need it.
SLIP! on clothing to cover your arms and legs. Covering your skin will protect it from the sun. Choose clothing that is: loose fitting; tightly woven; and lightweight.
SLAP! on a wide-brimmed hat. Most skin cancers occur on the face and neck. This area needs extra protection. Wear a hat with a wide brim that covers your head, face, ears and neck. Hats without a wide brim, like baseball caps, do not give you enough protection.
SLOP! on a sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 15 or higher - SPF 30 if you work outdoors or if you will be outside for most of the day. Look for "broad spectrum" on the label. This means that the sunscreen offers protection against two types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB.
Apply sunscreen generously, 20 minutes before outdoor activities. Reapply often - at least every 2 hours (and after swimming or exercise that makes you perspire). No sunscreen can absorb all of the sun's rays. Use sunscreen along with shade, clothing and hats - not instead of them. Use sunscreen as a backup in your sun protection plan.
Keep babies under one year out of the direct sun. Babies need extra protection because their skin is very sensitive. Keep your child's stroller, playpen or carriage in the shade.
Tanning salons and sunlamps are not a safe way to tan. Tanning salons do not give you a "safe tan without burning". No tan is a safe tan. A tan is evidence of sun damage.
For More Information visit:
The Canadian Cancer Society: www.cancer.ca
The Canadian Dermatology Association www.dermatology.ca
As always if you have any questions or concerns about these or other products, ask your pharmacist.