Sun Safety
The Porcupine Health Unit is reminding area residents to take hot weather precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses. In the summer, the combination of high heat and high humidity can be dangerous. The people at risk during these weather conditions include the elderly, people with chronic illness, infants and preschool children and people who participate in physical activity or are involved in strenuous outdoor work for prolonged periods.
For more information on how to prevent heat-related illness and protect you and your family, see below.
For the most up-to-date weather information, check out Environment Canada’s website at www.weather.gc.ca or follow them on Twitter.
Protecting Yourself in Extreme Heat
Here are a few tips to remember during extreme heat.
Outdoor Workers
Reflective surfaces (e.g., asphalt, concrete, sand, water, snow) can increase the harmful effects of UV rays. Protect your skin and eyes.
Outdoor Sports and Recreation
Outdoor sports are often held when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are very strong. Enjoy the sun safely. Protect your skin and eyes.
Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses
The best defence is prevention. Follow these tips to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Sunscreen
6 things to know about sunscreen.
Tanning
Using indoor tanning devices before age 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 75%. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
Inspection of Tanning Bed Facilities
Effective on May 1, 2014, the Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds) 2013 bans youth under 18 years of age from accessing tanning services or ultraviolet light treatments for tanning.