Light on caution in the sun

Light on caution in the sun

Home Cancer Information Reduce Your Risk Protect Yourself From the Sun Focus on Sun Safety
Create your shadow zones at home
Overexposure to the sun can happen when you least expect it - such as when you are comfortably sitting on your patio, gardening, or supervising playing children. Why sweat in the sun when you are so well in the shade? All it takes is a little planning - and if you feel like it, some DIY work - to have a safe and good time in your backyard.
Build your sources of shadow
Structures like garden tents provide an easy and economical way to add shade. A garden shed or shed in the back yard can partially shade a patio or play area. A gazebo is also an excellent shelter from the sun. Several hardware stores and garden centers sell ready-to-assemble products.
 Terrace in a courtyard, with a table, chairs and a large parasol, and shrubs in the background
By adding a retractable and adjustable awning or awning to the side of your home, you can also easily create shade. This allows you to achieve the desired protection depending on the position of the sun. It is important to choose the color and thickness of the awning carefully. A thick, tightly woven material in dark colors provides the most effective protection. Typically, awnings can be used year-round, but many can be easily removed and stored in the winter.

Installing a roof over the veranda or backyard patio provides a more permanent solution. Before building, be sure to examine the path of the sun to make sure the structure is providing effective protection.
 A large tree providing shade
Grow your sources of shade
Trees and hedges can be a great way to create shaded areas around the house; the shade will be more or less dense depending on the thickness of their foliage. You won't get results overnight, but over time this solution will provide you with more and more shelter for the whole family.
Planting hardwoods native to Canada, such as maple, birch, oak and beech, will help protect you from the sun during the summer months. Take care to choose trees with dense foliage, forming a screen against ultraviolet rays. Conifers, such as hemlock, pine, spruce, cedar and fir, can act as a barrier year round. However, unlike deciduous trees, this type of tree does not form a natural arch providing shade in the middle of the day.

Think about how you use your surroundings to determine which trees will grow best there while still getting the shade you need. If you are planting trees, consider:

the sun's path around your home - remember: UV rays are the strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
the time you spend on the terrace or patio;
the location of the pool, sandbox or play area.
What to wear to protect your skin from the sun
Did you know that the accessories you wear can make a big difference in protecting you from the sun's rays?
Sunglasses
More than just a fashion item, sunglasses protect your eyes from the damage that UV rays can cause. This goes for children too! Choose a model offering UVA and UVB protection; the label will say for example "UV 400" or "100% UV protection".
Hats
Several skin cancers develop on the face and neck. These regions need increased protection. Wear a wide-brimmed hat that protects your head, face, ears, and neck. Hats like baseball caps do not provide enough protection.
UV protection clothing
Choose clothes specially designed to protect you from UV rays. The garment label indicates the UV protection factor (UVR). FP UV assesses the ability of a tissue to block the passage of UV rays and reach the skin. The fabrics are classified into categories according to their FP UV.

As with the SPF of a sunscreen, the higher the FP UV, the less UV rays reach the skin and the better the protection. The fabrics used for these garments are often lightweight, and some may have been treated with substances that help block UV rays. Look for a UV FP of 15 or higher. A UV FP of 50 and above blocks most UV rays.
Tight woven clothing