Most of us enjoy being outside in sunny weather. Getting a small amount of sunshine helps our bodies make vitamin D, an essential part of keeping bones and muscles strong.
Too much sun, however, can be harmful. It not only puts you at risk for a painful sunburn, but it can also lead to skin damage, eye damage (cataracts), premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.
Skin cancer is considered largely preventable because exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (or UV) rays, which is the main cause, can be reduced. The best way to reduce your risk of skin cancer is to reduce your sun exposure.
Watch this video for tips on how to be sun safe.
Video available in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi & French.
UV radiation, or rays, is invisible waves of energy given off by the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. It can be high even on cool and overcast days. UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage. This means you cannot rely on clear skies or high temperatures to determine when you need to protect yourself from the sun.
Learn more about the link between UV exposure and cancer and what you can do to reduce your risk.
