Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer have finally rolled in.but the news isn't all sunshine. Here are a few words of warning that will help you make the most of your summer while staying healthy.

Protect Your Skin

It's essential to protect your skin from the sun. The message is finally getting through, and more and more people are smearing on sunscreen when outdoors.

The Sun Protection Factor

The labels on sunscreens always show a sun protection factor (SPF). The SPF represents the length of time protected skin can withstand exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays as compared with unprotected skin. For example, if you use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15, you can spend
15 times as long in the sun as if you have no protection at all (300 minutes rather than 20).

To make maximum use of your sunscreen, you should apply it at least 20 minutes before going outside, reapplying every 20 minutes and regularly after swimming or perspiring heavily.

Problems of Prolonged Exposure to UV Rays

The incidence of skin cancer has remained relatively stable in Canada over the last 30 years.

One of the main causes of the disease is exposure to UV rays-invisible rays from the sun or from some types of sun lamps that cause severe burns.

You can find out the UV index in your region by consulting The Weather Network.

Reduce the Risk of Sunburn

Follow the guidelines below to reduce the risk of sunburn:
 

• Try to stay in the shade.
• Use sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15.
• Avoid the sun when it is at its strongest: between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
   

N.B.: Because people with fair skin, and particularly those with fair hair, light-coloured eyes and freckles, are more likely to contract skin cancer,  they must be doubly cautious!

Protect your Eyes

Sunlight is a very powerful form of energy. Once absorbed, it generates a certain amount of heat; the chemical reactions it produces in eye tissue can also cause permanent damage. That's why it's so important to protect your eyes.

The sun produces different types of light that can damage the eyes to varying degrees. UV rays are the most well known, but you should also take precautions in bright or intense light, as well as in blue light, which is produced by the reflection of light on water and snow.

Wear Good Sunglasses

A good pair of sunglasses is important.

The lenses must be dark enough to protect your eyes from intense light while not impairing your vision. Lenses tinted grey, brown and green and of average to dark intensity provide proper protection, in particular against blue light.

Opt for plastic lenses, which are sturdier, but make sure they don't distort your vision. Consult the specifications listed on sunglass manufacturers' Websites.

Check your skin and eyes regularly

This summer, the best way to avoid problems is to check your skin and eyes regularly. Consult your doctor if you notice any of the following changes:
 

• An abnormally dark or discoloured blotch or area on your skin;
• A mole that bleeds, has hardened, discolours, is growing bigger or changing shape;
• A change in your eyesight after spending a long time out in the sun.