Time to shine light on sun awareness

Lyle Karasiuk, director of public affairs with Prince Albert Parkland Ambulance, said people really do need to pay more attention to their skin this time of year.

“Lots of us are working outdoors, and lots of us soon will be off of school or on vacation and enjoying some lazy days of summer, probably at the beach,” he said. “It’s a great time for all of us to simply start to think of ways that we can be a little bit more sun smart and a little bit more sun safe as we certainly are into those longer days of outdoor activities.”

Karasiuk said the sun is the strongest in the midday hours, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“We need to start putting on sunscreen every day that we spend outside,” said Karasiuk. “Whether we’re out in the garden, out working, or out for a walk, sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is something that we should make a regular part of a day.”

There are plenty of ways to protect yourself from the sun, according to Karasiuk. Along with using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher (even in the water; there’s waterproof sunscreen!), people can also wear a hat and sunglasses, seek out the shade and take frequent breaks from direct sunlight. Karasiuk said it’s also important to reapply sunscreen frequently to make sure you’re fully protected.

These aren’t the only tips to remember on a hot summer day.

“While we’re out in the sun we should also always remember to stay hydrated,” said Karasiuk.

He recommends that people stick to drinking strictly water, avoiding sports drinks and keeping other beverages in moderation.

“Fruit juices, pop or alcoholic beverages do not count for water intake,” he said.

SUB: Sun: friend or foe?

While it’s fun to spend time in the sun when it’s available, there are many well-known risks.

Karasiuk said sunstroke can easily be caused by overexposure to the sun and not enough water.

“Even on a cloudy day, 80 per cent of the sun’s rays can still penetrate light fog, light cloud, or mist,” he said.

He encourages people to check the UV index and pay careful attention when it’s higher than three: that’s when it’s most dangerous.

For anyone hoping to get a bronze glow this summer, Karasiuk said they had better think again.

“A tan is actually the bodies’ protection from the sun’s rays, a change in colour,” he said. “Certainly those people who think that lying out in the sun to achieve that golden brown is the best way, I think that they should look at what the long-term effects are.”

“[Tanning] causes more long-term harm in terms of premature aging of the skin than it does for the short-term effect of looking quite great for the summer months.”

Unfortunately, many weekend sunbathers have snuck into work on Monday mornings resembling a lobster. This can also be a concern.

“If the skin is red then you’ve probably got what we would call a minor or first-degree burn. Most of the time a cool shower will relieve the discomfort,” said Karasiuk.

If you do have to sulk into work, he suggests you apply an aloe vera cream to skin before getting dressed in looser clothing. Karasiuk also warns of more serious burns.

“If you see any blisters or breaks in the skin’s surface, that is certainly a severe burn and you should see your family physician,” he said.

Along with burns, it’s important to check for new bumps, moles or changes in skin.

“In some cases it could be something that requires a little bit more treatment,” said Karasiuk. “Should it be something like melanoma, which is skin cancer, it is very easily treated and can easily be resolved if caught quite early.”

asoloducha@panow.com

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha

by Alex Soloducha

Time to shine light on sun awareness

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