|
Tuesday, April 14, 1998 Stay in the shadeIt's easy to avoid too much sunThe Canadian Press
Sunscreens may not prevent skin cancer. Wearing protective hats and clothing isn't always practical. And Canadians aren't likely to stay inside when it's warm outside. "Although we've been telling people to seek shade, we know most people get burns when they're doing leisure activities where they have to be out in the open," says Dr. Lynn From, national director of the association's sun awareness program. So the association is making shade a focus of Sun Awareness Week beginning May 11, with the idea of encouraging even temporary refuge under trees, umbrellas and overhangs. It's also sponsoring a national competition for innovative structures that provide shade. The deadline for entries in various categories is May 15. (Call 888-773-0338 for more information). From points to a study of 4,023 Canadians age 15 and over that found 28 per cent of those interviewed in 1996 never or rarely sought the shade. Outdoor workers, exercisers and beach-goers -- those most susceptible to over-exposure -- have a tough time escaping the sun, says From, head of dermatology at Women's College Hospital in Toronto. The emphasis on shade isn't the result of recent research that indicates sunscreens do little to protect against melanomas, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. She says the association has long recommended that Canadians seek shade to reduce over-exposure to the sun's harmful rays. "However, the problem has been that very few public places, like swimming pools, school yards, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, have traditionally made provisions for shade," she says. Health Canada warns that people shouldn't abandon sunscreens which protect against both ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) radiation. From says broad-spectrum sunscreens remain one of the best defences against various types of skin cancers. Sunscreens help prevent burns which increase the risk of skin cancer, but some people are genetically predisposed to developing skin cancer. The association predicts about 60,000 Canadians will get skin cancer this year. Common skin cancers are easily removed. But the National Cancer Institute predicts some 740 of the 3,100 people with melanoma will die. From also notes that broad-spectrum sunscreens have been on the market for only a few years, and that skin cancers being diagnosed now likely stem from childhood sunburns. The shade competition is the latest association effort to reduce the rate of skin cancer over the long term. It's called Made for Shade and has three categories. The first two focus on developing a permanent shade structure for a large public area, or a portable structure for small groups. These categories are aimed at professionals such as architects and engineers, as well as design students. The third category, open to professionals as well as the general public, is for a do-it-yourself project suitable for a back yard, cottage, ski chalet or cabin. Registration closes May 15, with a $10 to $25 fee depending on the category. Prizes range from $500 to $5,000. "This competition poses some very interesting and unique challenges," said Leslie Klein of Quadrangle Architects Ltd., which is the association's adviser for the competition. Entrants will also be judged on other unusual design considerations, such as geographical variations, portability, and reflective surfaces such as sand and concrete. QUICK FACTSSome facts about skin cancer:Source: Canadian Dermatology Association, National Cancer Institute of Canada. MORE HEALTH INFO
Know someone who might be interested in this page? Just type in the email address to send them the URL 
|
||||||||||||
Hundreds of bathers enjoy the sun and the beach in the resort city of Punta del Este, Uruguay, some 140 kilometers (90 miles) west of Montevideo, Uruguay, on Jan. 7, 1996. Shade is one of the most effective yet under-used ways to prevent burns, skin cancer, premature aging and other side effects of too much sun, says the Canadian Dermatology Association. (CP PHOTO)
