It’s HERE! That big yellow light in the sky that feels kinda warm and that melted all the snow is an indication that spring (and eventually summer) is here!
With it being that time of year we need to start worrying about sunscreen (to be honest we should be wearing sunscreen year ’round because snow is a good reflector and almost doubles a person’s UV exposure).
Here are some scary facts to get you in the mood for SUNSCREEN!
It was estimated that in 2017:
– 7,200 Canadians will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer.
– 1,250 Canadians will die from melanoma skin cancer.
– 4,000 men will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer and 790 will die from it.
– 3,300 women will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer and 450 will die from it.Source: Canadian Cancer Society
Melanoma isn’t just a pale skinned person disease (although yes, it’s predominately a caucasian illness), people of colour are also at risk for skin cancer. Darker skin doesn’t mean you’re immune, in FACT, skin cancer can present differently in people of colour than in caucasian skin, which is a whole other topic but you can find articles here and here about that.
If you (or your child) have had at least one blistering sunburn in your lifetime you have a higher risk of developing melanoma (source).
A recent study found that Alberta is on par with warmer countries in terms of skin cancer risk. Many of this can be attributed to our need to bust out of the house when the temperatures are warmer, that our cold (and looooong) winters prevent us from skin cancer and our farmers spending those long days out in the sun with no sun protection.
Hug a farmer today and then slather them with sunscreen. It’s the right thing to do.
What’s a mama to do? Easy peasy.
- Wear your sunscreen with a minumum SPF of 30. Increase your SPF if you’re not confident you’re putting enough on. Remember, slop that stuff on. Just lather it on. You literally can’t have enough.
- Wear a hat
- Sunglasses, they’re important too
- Shade seek
- Cover your skin.
I’m not saying that you should become a sun hermit like me, although I’m counting on this to give me the most amazing skin when I’m 80, but, you need to look after your biggest organ …
…which is your skin.
What about your kids?
Babies
The rules are a little different when it comes to applying sunscreen to babies. According to the Government of Canada, do not apply sunscreen to babies under 6 months (unless directed to do so by your Dr.), their skin is much more delicate and sensitive than ours. Keep babies out of direct sunlight to prevent sunburns, overheating and dehydration. Little babies need hats, shade and fluids when they’re in the heat.
Kids
Kids can and should wear sunscreen, and a hat, and sunglasses when outside. I know it can be a real pain in the backside to get a toddler to keep a hat on but keep trying to keep that hat on. One day, a very very long time from now your children will never thank you for it, but know you did a good job keeping them sun safe.
Did you know that the suns rays (UV rays) are the strongest between 11 & 3? During this time it’s best to limit exposure to UV. I know, these are the times that kids should be outside playing and having fun, but it is helpful to limit exposure to the sun, or if you’re outside, find a shady tree or bring an umbrella to limit exposure.
Skin cancer is a preventable disease and with summer around the corner (fingers crossed) as we send the kids outside to play and ride their bikes and climb trees, can we just slather a bunch of sunscreen on them and pop a hat on their head before they head out.