Sun Protection

Sun Island Health

Be sun-safe and remember to protect yourself from the heat

  • Apply sunscreen to exposed skin, early and often, at least 15 to 30 minutes prior to going out. Minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) should be 30. Use it liberally and make sure to reapply often throughout the day, especially following swimming or heavy perspiration.
  • Seek shade and keep skin covered as much as possible when spending time in the sun. The sun can burn and damage skin even on a cloudy day.
  • Wear a hat with a wide brim.
  • Children are more vulnerable to sun damage and heatstroke, so ensure their skin is protected or that they are in the shade. Infants under six months old should wear a UVA/UVB protective suit if spending time outdoors.
  • Wear sunglasses, especially when driving or cycling. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays) can cause cataracts and other eye diseases.

Remember the 5S's of Sun Protection

SLIP

Slip on a t-shirt.

SLOP

Slop on SPF 30+ broad spectrum UVA sunscreen.

SLAP

Slap on a broad-brimmed hat.

SEEK

Seek out shade.

SLIDE

Slide on quality sunglasses.

Learn more

Save Your Skin Foundation
Canadian Cancer Society

News & Events

Wood burning outdoors

Breathe easier: Reduce residential wood smoke to enhance our air quality

With fall well underway, days are shortening, temperatures are dropping and some residents across the Island Health region are stoking up their wood stoves and other devices to fend off chillier weather.

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Hot temperature displayed on thermometer with sun in distance

Heat warnings across Island Health region bring increased health risks

Heat warnings across Island Health region bring increased health risks.

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parking sign

Pay parking resumes March 4, 2022

Effective March 4, 2022, pay parking will resume at all Island Health sites that previously had pay parking in place. 

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