Sun Safety
The Porcupine Health Unit is reminding area residents to take hot weather precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses. In the summer, the combination of high heat and high humidity can be dangerous. The people at risk during these weather conditions include the elderly, people with chronic illness, infants and preschool children and people who participate in physical activity or are involved in strenuous outdoor work for prolonged periods.
For more information on how to prevent heat-related illness and protect you and your family, see below.
Sign up for weather advisories
You can now get official weather forecasts and alerts straight to your phone with WeatherCAN, Environment Canada’s new weather application. This app will let you know when a heat warning or other extreme weather is forecast for our region. Download it now!
Protecting Yourself in Extreme Heat
Extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. The health risks are greater for older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, people with physical and/or mental illnesses, and people with disabilities or mobility issues.
Outdoor Workers
Reflective surfaces (e.g., asphalt, concrete, sand, water, snow) can increase the harmful effects of UV rays. Protect your skin and eyes.
Outdoor Sports and Recreation
Outdoor sports are often held when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are very strong. Enjoy the sun safely. Protect your skin and eyes.
Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses
The best defence is prevention. Follow these tips to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Sunscreen
6 things to know about sunscreen.
Tanning
Using indoor tanning before the age of 35 has been associated with a significant increase in the risk of melanoma.
Inspection of Tanning Bed Facilities
Effective on May 1, 2014, the Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds) 2013 bans youth under 18 years of age from accessing tanning services or ultraviolet light treatments for tanning.