With the above seasonal temperatures, and summer fast approaching it is good to refresh ourselves with sun safety.
Heat Exhaustion
Prolonged exposure to heat, doing physical work in the sun, exercising or being in a hot environment can all lead to heat exhaustion.
This occurs due to the loss of water and salt from the body.
Symptoms include tiredness, weakness and muscle cramps.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke (also known as Sunstroke) occurs when the internal temperature of the body rises to 40 degrees Celsius or higher. (Normal temperature range is within one degree of 37 degrees Celsius).
Heat stroke is a serious condition and should be considered an emergency. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
Symptoms of heat stroke: mental changes, confusion, slurred speech, irritability, seizures, nausea, vomiting, throbbing headache, shallow quick breathing, skin changing to red colour, increased heart rate.
Actions for heat stroke: Seek professional medical help immediately.
Bring individual to a cooler location, use damp sheets, ice packs or cooling drinks.
Use ice packs or damp sheets in areas where blood comes close to skin surface and can be cooled down more readily (groin, armpit, neck and back).
The sun’s rays are the strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Limit your outdoor activities at this time or seek out shade and take frequent rest. Ensure that you stay hydrated and bring ample fluids.
The following statistics are from the Canadian Cancer Society.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Canada but it’s also one of the most preventable.
UV radiation causes about 90 per cent of melanoma cases.
The incidence of melanoma skin cancer has increased significantly among men and women during the past 25 years.
Messages from the Canadian Cancer Society
o Enjoy the Sun Safely. Protect your skin, protect your eyes.
o Check the UV Index Daily
o Seek Shade
o Cover Up
o Wear your Sunglasses
o Use Sunscreen Properly
o Don’t use indoor tanning beds
o Know the signs of skin caner
o Use sunscreen properly,
Sunscreen absorbs UV rays and prevents them from penetrating the skin. Sunscreens are rated by the strength of their SPF.
The SPF tells you the product’s ability to screen or block out the sun’s UVB rays. SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93 per cent of UVB rays.
Sunscreen with SPF 30 blocks 97 per cent of UVB rays.
Use an SPF of 30 or higher.
Make sure the sunscreen is labelled broad-spectrum (offers both UVA and UVB protection).
If you’re in the water, make sure your sunscreen is water-resistant.
How to apply sunscreen:
Use a generous amount of sunscreen. Don’t forget your ears, nose, neck, any bald spots, the backs of your hands and the tops of your feet.
The average adult needs about two or three tablespoons of sunscreen to cover their body and a teaspoon to cover their face and neck.
Put sunscreen on first, before any make-up or insect repellent.
Follow the directions on the bottle to apply.
Know the signs of skin cancer.
Most skin cancers can be cured if they’re caught early enough.
For more information visit cancer.ca
National Awareness Week for Sun Safety is June 6 to 10.
Joanne Malar is the program coordinator for Summerland Recreation, three-time Olympic swimmer, 2012 Olympic commentator, kinesiologist and holistic nutritionist.
