by Inna Kniazieva, Holistic Lifestyle Coach
It’s important to be extra cautious with sun exposure in Calgary because of the city’s high elevation and clear skies. At an elevation of over 3,445 feet (1,050 meters) above sea level, Calgary is closer to the sun and its UV rays are more intense compared to cities at lower elevations. In addition, Calgary is known for its clear skies, which means that the sun’s rays can be stronger and more damaging to the skin.
Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to skin damage, sunburn, and an increased risk of skin cancer. This risk is especially high for people who have fair skin or a history of sunburns, as well as children and adolescents who are more sensitive to the sun’s rays.
Here are some recommendations for sun protection:
Wear protective clothing: Cover your skin as much as possible with lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of tightly woven fabrics that provide good sun protection. Consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and neck.
Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, and hands. The use of sunscreen helps in protecting against skin cancer, prevention of premature aging, sunburn, and other skin damage. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Seek shade: When possible, seek shade during the sun’s peak hours (ideally from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm) to minimize your exposure to UV rays.
Wear sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV damage by wearing sunglasses with UV protection.
Be extra cautious near water: The reflection of the sun off water can increase your exposure to UV rays. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen when participating in water activities.
Check the UV index: Check the daily UV index forecast, which is available online, in the weather forecast, or through mobile apps, and plan your outdoor activities accordingly.
Remember, sun protection is important not only during the summer months but all year round. Even on cloudy days, the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through the clouds and cause damage to your skin. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors safely and reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
MyHealthAlberta.ca offers a simple, yet effective way to teach children how to protect their skin from the sun. Use the “ABCs” to do this. These are:
• A = Away – Stay away from the sun as much as possible from 11:00 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. Find shade if you need to be outdoors.
• B = Block – Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to protect babies’ and children’s very sensitive skin.
• C = Cover up – Have your child wear clothing that covers the skin, hats with wide brims, and sunglasses with UV protection. Even one-year-old children should wear sunglasses with UV protection.
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