|
Your Health
|
|
|
UV index Learning how to use Environment Canada's UV Index can help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. The amount of UV you receive depends on both the strength of the sun's rays (measured by the UV Index) and the amount of time you spend in the sun. Reduce your time in the sun - seek shade, particularly between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. from April to September. Check out the index in your newspaper or go online.
| 0 to 2 Low |
Minimal sun protection required for normal activity.
Wear sunglasses on bright days. If outside for more than one hour, cover up and use sunscreen.
Reflection off snow can nearly double UV strength. Wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen. |
| 3 to 5 Moderate |
Take precautions - cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, especially if you will be outside for 30 minutes or more.
Look for shade near midday when the sun is strongest. |
| 6 to 7 High |
Protection required - UV damages the skin and
can cause sunburn.
Reduce time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and take full precautions - seek shade, cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. |
| 8 to 10 Very High |
Extra precautions required - unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly.
Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and take full precautions - seek shade, cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. |
| 11+ Extreme |
Values of 11 or more are very rare in Canada. However, the UV Index can reach 14 or more in the tropics and southern USA.
Take full precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn in minutes. Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., cover up, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
White sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and increase UV exposure. |
Source: Environment Canada
Back to "Red alert!"
 |
About Wave
Wave is published six times a year by the Winnipeg Health Region in cooperation with the Winnipeg Free Press. It is available at newsstands, hospitals and clinics throughout Winnipeg, as well as McNally Robinson Books.
Read the Summer 2009 issue of Wave |
|
|
