This report provides an overview of sun and heat safety in Windsor-Essex County using data from emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths (this data captures illnesses resulting from the direct effects of heat and sunlight). This report also uses data from the Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System to provide a summary of sun safety behaviours and community support for shade in outdoor public places.
The Ultraviolet Index (UV Index) is a measurement of the intensity of the sun’s rays. The higher the UV index, the more harm done by the sun to your skin, eyes, and immune system.
Tanning can cause cancer. Sun lamps or tanning beds, just like the sun, give off ultraviolet radiation (UVR), a cancer-causing substance that causes harm to the eyes, early aging of the skin, wrinkling, and skin cancer.
The best way to protect yourself from damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation is to cover up, limit your exposure at key times, seek shade, and cover any unprotected areas of the skin with sunscreen.
When your skin is exposed to the sun, it’s able to make vitamin D. Your body needs vitamin D to keep your bones, muscles and teeth healthy. Having the proper amount of Vitamin D is especially important for children and the elderly. However, overexposure to the sun and using a tanning bed increases your chance of developing skin cancer and is not recommended. It is important to develop and maintain good sun protective habits. There are safer ways to maintain healthy Vitamin D levels than through ultraviolet (UV) exposure.
You can get vitamin D from:
Protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays does not stop after the summer months are over. Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) can damage your skin and eyes all year long.
