London, ON – Even if the calendar hanging on the wall doesn’t say so, it sure feels like summer is here. With a fine weekend forecast that includes plenty of sunshine and summer-like heat well into next week, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is calling on local residents to protect themselves and their families from the sun’s harmful rays. The reminder comes about mid-way through National Sun Awareness Week, which continues until Sunday, June 11th.

The beautiful weather is sure to encourage families and those both young and old to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. However, ultraviolet radiation from the sun causes sunburns, which can lead to skin cancer and eye damage, which is why the Health Unit is promoting some simple sun safety guidelines as we head towards the weekend.

“With the natural attraction that comes with the beautiful weather we’ll have this weekend, we often see people forget important sun safety strategies that will protect themselves and their families,” says Linda Stobo, Manager of the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Chronic Disease Prevention and Tobacco Control team. “It takes a little planning to make sure you enjoy the sun as much as you can; that includes wearing sunglasses, sun hats and sunscreen and taking occasional breaks in a shady location.”

The Health Unit emphasizes that children are at greatest risk for sunburns because they tend to spend more time outdoors when the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest. When the sun is shining brightly, it’s important to remember that it often takes less than 30 minutes of exposure for a sunburn or skin damage to occur.

The Health Unit recommends the following guidelines to protect yourself and your family from the sun’s damaging rays this summer:

• Time of Day: Limit time spent in the sun when the UV index is higher, usually between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Shade: Seek shade or make your own – bring an umbrella if you’re spending a lot of time outside.
• Cover Up: Wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible; UV-protective clothing is best.
• Sunscreen: Apply plenty of sunscreen with SPF 30 or more and remember to reapply it often, especially after swimming or sweating. Use a lip balm with sunscreen, too.
• Sunglasses: Wear close-fitting or wrap-around sunglasses with UV 400 or 100% UV protection.

Note: Do not use sunscreen on babies less than six months old. Protect them by keeping them out of direct sunlight. For more information visit: www.healthunit.com/sun-safety.

Media Contact:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit,
519-663-5317, extension 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell.)

Spokesperson:
Linda Stobo, Program Manager, Chronic Disease Prevention and Tobacco Control