OTTAWA, June 8, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) is urging cottage-goers to be savvy about their time outside this summer whether on the beach or on the boat.
As the warm sunny weather arrives many Canadians are planning their long weekends, pining for vacations to start and looking forward to afternoons at the beach. But being sun safe out on the waterways is just as important, if not more so, than when on land. Open-waters with no source of shade boaters are exposed to the sun's strong UV radiation which can be reflected back at them from the water's surface. According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) INTERSUN Program dry beach sand can also reflect approximately 15% of UV radiation.
"The great part about the summer is being able to be active and get outside" says Dr. Denise Wexler, President of the Canadian Dermatology Association. "But being on vacation should never be at the expense of our well-being, which is why we should all be thinking about our sun safety."
It is important to plan ahead, find out what the UV Index rating is and schedule activities before 11 am or after 4 pm when UV rays are less intense. Wear loose-fitting, tightly-woven clothing that covers as much of the body as possible. Wear a hat with a 7.5 cm (3 inches) or wider brim and remember your sunglasses, it is important to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays too!
To help identify effective sunscreen products, look for the logo of the Canadian Dermatology Association as these products have been tested and have met the evaluation criteria of the CDA's Sun Protection Program. These sunscreens have a minimum SPF 30, are broad-spectrum (protecting against UVA as well as UVB radiation), and are non-comedogenic, non-irritating, hypoallergenic, and minimally or non-perfumed.
"Making sun safety part of your everyday routine will not only save you from painful sunburns, it will, most importantly, reduce your risk of developing skin cancer" says Dr. Wexler.
About Sun Awareness Week
The Canadian Dermatology Association has organized a nationwide Sun Awareness Week since 1989. The purpose of the annual campaign is to increase the awareness of Canadians about the harmful effects of UV radiation and the ways to protect the skin from UV exposure, in order to decrease the incidence of skin cancer in Canada. During National Sun Awareness Week, June 4 - 10, 2012, dermatologists will volunteer at free public skin cancer screenings and other events. For more information, please visit www.dermatology.ca.
About CDA
The Canadian Dermatology Association, founded in 1925, represents Canadian dermatologists. The association strives to provide easy access to the largest, most reliable source of medical knowledge on dermatology. CDA exists to advance the science and art of medicine and surgery related to the care of the skin, hair and nails; provide continuing professional development for its members; support and advance patient care; provide public education on sun protection and other aspects of skin health; and promote a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. By doing so, CDA informs and empowers both medical professionals and the Canadian public.
To learn more about what the work CDA does visit www.dermatology.ca or join the conversation on www.Twitter.com/CdnDermatology or www.Facebook.com/CdnDermatology.
Jennifer Scott, Communications & Projects Officer
Office: 613.738.1748 / 1.800.267.3376 Ext. 222 | Email: [email protected]
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