As summer peaks and the temperature becomes warmer, it’s tempting to lounge in the sun and soak up the rays. For many, it’s the promise of a sun-kissed glow; for others, it’s the guarantee of much-needed Vitamin D. Regardless of the reasoning, lounging, working, and playing in the sunshine have their share of risks.

While it’s important to spend time outside as part of a healthy lifestyle, it’s also important to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. Most types of skin cancer are preventable – including melanoma, the seventh most common cancer in Canada.

To help you stay safe in the sun this summer (and all year-long), we’re featuring an interview with Bernadine O’Leary, a clinical educator with Eastern Health’s Cancer Care Program, who shares practical tips that go beyond sitting in the shade.

You can also view this video on Eastern Health’s YouTube page. 

*Please direct specific questions about your health to your health-care provider. To view our social media disclaimer, please visit: www.easternhealth.ca/disclaimer.

For more information about sun safety, please visit the following websites:
Eastern Health: http://www.easternhealth.ca/SunSafety
The Canadian Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.ca/en/prevention-and-screening/reduce-cancer-risk/make-healthy-choices/be-sun-safe/skin-cancer-facts/?region=nl
Health Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/sun-safety.html
The Canadian Dermatology Association: https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/sun-protection/sun-safety-every-day/

To check the UV Index in your area, please visit Environment Canada’s website: https://weather.gc.ca/canada_e.html