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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.
Dauphin used to be the “City of Sunshine”. Now we are “Everything You Deserve”. I’m not sure what our current slogan means, but it does sound nice. The “City of Sunshine” is quite literally from an article in Canadian Geographic (Mar/Apr 2000). Apparently Dauphin ranks first among the sunniest cities in Canada. So we all use lots and lots of sunscreen, right? Well, we should. As The Fair, Countryfest, Jesus Manifest, Urkranian Festival and all those other wonderful summer Parkland activities come and go, don’t forget the sunscreen.
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 recommends:
- 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.
- GOLFERS: Choose a high SPF product – 30 – 60 – that offers greater protection as you will be out for more than four hours if playing 18 holes. Use a golf umbrella or golf cart for personal shade. If possible, wait for play in shaded, treed areas.
- Cover your arms and legs. Covering your skin will protect it from the sun. Choose clothing that is: loose fitting; tightly woven; and lightweight.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat (3 inches or 7.5 cm). 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.
- Use a sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) SPF 30 or higher. Look for "broad spectrum" on the label. This means that the sunscreen offers protection against two types of ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. Don’t forget to use SPF 30, broad spectrum lip balm.
- 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.
For More Information visit:
The Canadian Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.ca/
The Canadian Dermatology Association http://www.dermatology.ca/
As always if you have any questions or concerns about these or other products, ask your pharmacist.
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