You can reduce your risk of cancer.
Exposure to the sun and other sources of UV rays cause up to 90% of skin cancers and other skin and eye damage. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays which cannot be seen or felt. These rays can cause harm to your skin and appear in forms of a tan, sun burn and skin cancer.
The best way to protect yourself from UV rays is to use the SLIP, SLAP, SLOP, SEEK and SLIDE method:
- SLIP on clothing to cover your skin
- SLAP on a wide-brimmed hat
- SLOP on sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
- SEEK shade
- SLIDE on a pair of sunglasses
How to stay sun safe year-round
It is important to stay sun safe year-round, including Manitoba winters. While the temperatures decrease and are much cooler than in other seasons, Manitobans are still exposed to UV rays. Staying sun safe on a cloudy day is just as important. Did you know clouds allow 80% of UV rays to pass through? Here are a few sun safety tips you can follow to reduce
your risk:
- Use at least an SPF 30 broad spectrum sunscreen
- Avoid direct sun exposure on babies
- Seek shade whenever possible. Source trees, umbrellas and awnings when searching for an outdoor resting spot
- Limit time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- Use daily moisturizer and lip balm with SPF 30 or higher
- Avoid using indoor tanning equipment
Matt encourages you to protect your tomorrows by practicing sun safety
Matt has been living with skin cancer since his diagnosis at 24 years old. “I wish I could go back in time and recognize how easy it was to change my lifestyle to be more sun safe.” Matt is committed to making sure his young son is making good choices when it comes to the sun. “Practicing sun safety is a really easy way to balance living for tomorrow by making good choices today.”
You can protect yourself and your family from exposure to UV rays by covering up in the sun and wearing sunscreen. UV exposure can increase the risk for developing malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Remember, even Manitoba’s abundant winter sunshine can have an effect, so follow these guidelines all year!
Avoid the sun from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and protect yourself during these times by seeking shade. Wear clothing to cover your arms and legs. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) about 30 minutes before you leave the house and reapply hourly or after swimming.
is 20 times higher in 2021 than it was in the 1960s.
Environment Canada UV Index Scale
0-2 (LOW)
Minimal Protection Required
Wear sunglasses on bright days. If outside for more than one hour, cover up and use sunscreen.
3- 5 (Moderate)
Take Precautions
SLIP on a shirt, SLAP on a hat, SLIDE on sunglasses, SLOP on sunscreen and SEEK shade – especially if outside for 30 minutes or more. Search for shade during the mid-day hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is the strongest.
6-7 (High)
Protection Required
SLIP, SLAP, SLOP, SLIDE and reduce time in the mid-day sun and SEEK shade.
8-10 (Very High)
Extra Protection
Avoid being outside in mid-day sun altogether and SLIP, SLAP, SLOP, SLIDE and SEEK the rest of the time!
11+ (Extreme)
Extra Protection Required
Skin burns in minutes. A UV index greater than 11 is rare in Canada; however, the UV index can reach 14 or more in the tropics and the southern United States.
Click above to see the full forecast.
