What myths are your children learning about the sun?
MYTH #1:
Are your children learning that: A suntan is a sign of health?
Fact:
A suntan is a sign that your skin is trying
to protect itself against the sun's damaging rays. The tan
will fade but damage to your skin cells remains and adds
up over the years.
MYTH #2:
Are
your children learning that: You can't get a sunburn on a cloudy or cool day?
Fact:
Up to 80% of the sun's rays can pass through
light clouds, haze, mist and fog. And the UV Index can be
high even if the temperature for the day feels cool. You
can get a sunburn even on cloudy and cool days. Sunburns
increase your risk for skin cancer
MYTH #3:
Are
your children learning that: Only fair skinned people are at risk from too much exposure
to sunlight?
Fact:
Too much sunlight can damage eyes leading
to cataracts, and the skin, leading to sunburn, premature
skin aging and skin cancer. Everyone, regardless of skin
colour, needs protection from the sun.
Children face a
one-in-seven risk of developing skin cancer during their lifetime.
The key to preventing skin cancer in your children's future is
to teach them to protect themselves today!
Take the time to help prevent skin cancer.
For more information call Toronto Health Connection at 416-338-7600.
