HOW DO YOU MANAGE?

There is nothing more invigorating than a warm, sunny day. Unfortunately, the sun can cause skin damage. This year I not only have to protect myself from the sun, but also my infant son. I realized that sun protection is an important aspect of our health and we should take it very seriously. The Canadian Cancer Society warns the public the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, and skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canada.

There are over 50,000 cases of skin cancer reported in Canada every year and the number is growing – an increase of over 50 percent in the last 10 years.

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Late season rainfall creates concern about Prairie crop quality

Praying for rain is being replaced with the hope that rain can stop for harvest. Rainfall in July and early August has been much greater than normal.

Up to 80 percent of sun exposure is unintentional – biking, gardening, playing outdoors.
One child in every seven born in Canada this year could develop skin cancer during his or her lifetime.
One severe sunburn before the age of 15 can double a child’s risk of skin cancer.
Dermatologists believe that 90 percent of visible aging – wrinkles, age spots – are the result of sun damage.

Sun tips

The sun is most dangerous between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Keep young infants out of the sun. Begin using sunscreen at six months of age and allow sun exposure in moderation.

Medications, drugs and cosmetics can increase our sensitivity to the sun. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
The sun’s rays can be damaging even on cloudy days and even if you are in the shade – beware.
Watch reflective surfaces such as water, sand or concrete, and also high altitudes, as these factors increase your risk of burning.
Do not rely on your skin to let you know that you have had too much sun. By then the damage has been done.

Sun protection

The Sun Protection Factor or SPF is a measurement of the amount of time it takes to burn with sunscreen compared to without sunscreen. If you would burn in 10 minutes, you will burn in about 150 minutes with an SPF of 15. The Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Dermatology Association recommend sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or more.

The sun casts two forms of ultraviolet rays – UVA and UVB. UVB is strongest in the summer, at certain times of the day and at higher altitudes. UVB rays burn the topmost layers of the skin. UVA is much less dependent on climate and location.

It is always there and penetrates much deeper than UVB. UVA also burns the skin’s surface, but because it goes deeper, UVA can damage the proteins that give skin its elasticity and youthfulness, and also hurts the repair processes. UVB can damage us in winter, on a cloudy day, driving in the car or sitting in the window.

In 1992, Canada developed the UV index, a daily forecast on the sun’s rays. Basically the higher the index number, the faster you’ll burn. Tune into your local radio station or switch on the television before you head out.

To prevent sun damage:

Use a sunscreen suitable for your skin type every day of the year. Cover your entire body, and apply at least 15 minutes before you go outdoors and reapply often. Don’t forget those sensitive spots – nose, ears, lips, back of the neck, exposed scalp, back of the knees and the tops of bare feet.
Wear a hat for protection and purchase a pair of sunglasses that offer UV blockage.
Choose loose-fitting close knit clothing.

Source: Coppertone and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Song request

Dear TEAM: I hope you and Western Producer readers can help me since the CBC Radio hum line was stumped in my request for the name of a song. My co-workers were discussing little habits they or their partners have that create some friction in their lives and how they deal with them. It reminds me of a song I heard when I was young. In a duet, a man and woman took turns complaining about each other.

Here are the words I know:

Chorus: “I don’t know why I put up with you, I put up with you the way I do.”

Man sings: “You bring the kitchen to the bedroom while you’re readin’ and I wake up with cheese and crackers in my hair. And when I go to take a shower I start screamin’ cause of the nylon jungle there.”

I would love to know how the song turns out. – C.R., Saskatoon, Sask.

Blind and drapery cords

It is the time of year to hang blinds to block out the summer heat. A recent press release crossed the desk of TEAM Resources, and it dealt with blinds and your family’s safety.

The Product Safety Bureau of Health Canada is concerned about the number of deaths associated with blind cords in Canada. Since 1989, 13 children have strangled when they became caught in blind cords. Two of the deaths occurred in January 1996.

Health Canada is responsible for the administration of the Hazardous Products Act and Regulations, the purpose of which is to protect health and ensure the safety of Canadians by prohibiting or regulating the sale, advertisement and importation of hazardous products. Blinds, however, are not regulated.

In 1991, the bureau had some success getting manufacturers, distributors and retailers of blinds to include a warning label on their products alerting users to the potential hazard associated with the products.

Simple steps can be taken to prevent a tragedy. Cords can be tied up easily with inexpensive devices which are available from hardware stores, department stores or window covering dealers.

Keep cords out of reach of children. For more information contact your nearest Product Safety Bureau.