Jewish General Hospital - Press releases

2012/06/19

Be safe in the sun!

Jewish General Hospital provides important sun safety tips

A heat wave has been forecast in Montreal this week, and it is essential that people of all ages protect themselves. Skin plays a vital role in keeping you healthy by protecting you from dehydration, bacterial infections and pollution. But there are limits to your skin's ability to provide protection from the sun. The Jewish General Hospital (JGH) is providing the public with some tips to decrease dangerous exposure to the sun, while enjoying the nice weather.

Understanding the risks of UV rays and taking precautions will help you enjoy the sunshine and lower your chances of developing sun-related health problems. Before heading outside, it is important to ensure you and your family are protected from the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.

Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada recommend limiting sun exposure to reduce the risk of sun related health risks. The dangers of being exposed to UV radiation far outweigh the benefits. Overexposure to the sun can cause skin cancers, premature aging of the skin, cataracts and other eye damage and immune system suppression.

“Increased exposure to UV radiation, both from natural sunlight and tanning salons, is a major cause of the increase in melanoma,” explains Dr. Wilson Miller, Associate Director for Clinical Research of the Lady Davis Institute at the JGH. “Melanoma is the most deadly skin cancer, and in recent years we have seen a significant rise in the number of cases, as well as with other diseases linked to sun exposure. It is therefore essential that the public take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families.”

There are simple steps you can take to ensure that you and your family are safe in the sun. Cover up with sunglasses, a hat and loose fitting clothing, seek shade whenever possible, wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15 whenever outside, avoid direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. as this is when the sun is strongest, and lastly, be aware of the UV index.

The JGH would like to remind the public that when it comes to having some summer fun this year, it is essential to take the right steps to make summer 2012 both safe and fun for the entire family.

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Contact:

Glenn J. Nashen, Director
Astrid Morin, Media Relations
Public Affairs and Communications
Jewish General Hospital
Tel.: 514-340-8222 ext 4612
Email: amorin@jgh.mcgill.ca
Website: jgh.ca