There’s a whole lot of great information on the www.canada.ca website about the UV index.

The UV Index was developed to help Canadians protect themselves from the sun’s damaging UV (ultraviolet) rays.  The higher the UV Index, the stronger the sun’s rays, and the greater the need to take sun safety precautions.

In Canada the UV Index ranges from 0 to 11+.  UV can cause sunburn, eye cataracts, skin aging and skin cancer. The amount of UV that you receive depends on the strength of the sun, as measured by the UV Index, and the amount of time you spend in the sun.  Protect yourself by checking the UV index and by wearing a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and spending less time in the sun.

The UV Index forecast is available in your weather report on Canada.ca/weather, when the Index is 1 or higher.

Throughout the year, UV Index forecast for 47 communities across Canada is also available in the daily UV Index Forecast bulletin that you can access on the website. To enjoy the sun safely, protect your skin and protect your eyes.  When the UV Index is 3 or higher, protect your skin as much as possible. In general, the UV Index in Canada can be 3 or higher from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. between April and September, even when it’s cloudy.   Seek shade or bring your own (e.g., an umbrella).

Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible and a wide-brimmed hat, as appropriate to the activity and weather.  Use sunscreen labelled “broad spectrum” and “water resistant” with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 on skin not covered by clothing. Apply sunscreen generously and reapply often.  Avoid getting a sunburn and avoid intentional tanning.  Health Canada does not recommend the use of tanning equipment (especially for people under the age of 18). Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses or eyeglasses with UV protective lenses.

You can also wear a wide brimmed hat for added eye protection. There’s a link on the website to find out more about babies and small children.  They have sensitive skin and burn easily. Be sure to protect them from the sun.  There’s also a suggestion to be careful on winter holidays in the sun because you can burn very quickly, even in the wintertime. To learn more go to www.canada.ca and search for UV Index.

Have you checked Community Care’s online Activity Calendar lately?  Make sure you go to the website often and see what’s on offer at www.communitycareforseniors.org  We have online and on the phone programming, too.  Reception and Thrift Shop volunteers are needed. There are lots of services to help seniors live at home.

Call 613-476-7493 to learn more.

-Debbie MacDonald Moynes