The Middlesex London Health Unit is advising anyone venturing outdoors this weekend to enjoy the hot, sunny weather responsibly.
Health unit officials say it can take less than 30 minutes of sun exposure for sunburns and skin damage to happen, noting severe sunburns can lead to skin cancer and eye damage. It's recommended anyone planning on spending any amount of time outside this weekend take steps to protect against the sun's harmful rays.
“With the natural attraction that comes with the beautiful weather we’ll have this weekend, we often see people forget important sun safety strategies that will protect themselves and their families,” said Linda Stobo, manager of the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Chronic Disease Prevention and Tobacco Control team. “It takes a little planning to make sure you enjoy the sun as much as you can; that includes wearing sunglasses, sun hats and sunscreen and taking occasional breaks in a shady location.”
The risk of sunburns is highest for children, according to the health unit. They say that is because kids tend to be outdoors when the sun's UV rays are the strongest - between 11am and 3pm.
To protect from sunburns, the health unit advises the use of sunscreen with SPF 30, close-fitting or wrap around sunglasses, UV-protective clothing, and an umbrella. Sunscreen should be reapplied often, especially after swimming or strenuous activity but is not recommended for babies six-months-old and under. They should be kept out of direct sunlight at all times.
Environment Canada is forecasting sunshine and daytime highs in the mid-20 C range Friday and Saturday. The temperature is expected to soar into the low 30 C range Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
This will be southwestern Ontario's first stretch of 30 C weather this year.
The health unit's reminder coincides with National Sun Awareness Week, which continues until Saturday.