It's easy to head out into the summer heat thinking you're protected because of the sunscreen you've slapped on. Canadian dermatologists say that's not enough. There are 70,000 new cases of skin cancer in the country every year.
The biggest mistake consumer’s make about sunscreen is they don't use enough.
If you bought one tube in the spring and still have some left at the end of summer, you're not using enough sunscreen, unless, of course, you've spent the whole summer indoors.
Looking for extra protection? American researchers found that cotton shirts were 50% more effective at blocking the sun's rays after they'd been washed a few times.
Even better, blue clothing was discovered to be five times more effective than white clothing at blocking UV rays because blue absorbs more light.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause premature aging and at its worst, skin cancer. Artificial sources of UV radiation, such as sunlamps and tanning booths, can also cause skin cancer.

Here are some tips on protecting your skin and your health.,

Use sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 with UVA or UVB protection (look for the CDA logo — Canadian Dermatological Association) Re-apply sunscreen periodically throughout the day and frequently if you're exercising in the heat Reduce your exposure to the sun, particularly between 11 am and 4 pm when the sun's rays are at their peak.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and wrap-around sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection If you are taking antibiotics or acne medication be especially cautious because they can increase your risk of sunburn If you use self-tanning creams, remember that you must still apply sunscreen.
You may be darker but that doesn't mean you're protected Check your daily local forecast for "UV ratings" and cover up accordingly.

HOW TO READ THE UV RATING: 0 to 2 (minimal): most people can stay in the sun for up to 1 hour during peak hours without burning 3 to 4 (low): fair-skinned people can burn in less than 20 minutes everyone should use sunscreen and wear long sleeves and long pants 5 to 6 (moderate): light-skinned people can burn in less than 15 minutes; everyone should wear sunscreen and lip balm.

PROTECTING YOUR EYES

Use sunglasses to protect your eyes 7 to 9 (high): fair-skinned people can burn in less than 10 minutes wear sunscreen and sunglasses everyone should minimize their sun exposure from 10 am to 4 pm apply sunscreen often wear clothing with tightly-woven fabric, UV rays can pass through the spaces of loosely knit clothes 10 + (very high): fair-skinned people can burn in less than 5 minutes apply sunscreen every 2 hours avoid being in the sun as much as possible wear a cap or hat with a wide brim try not to do outdoor activities

The National Weather Service issues several products to help stay safe and avoid adverse, and possibly life-threatening, winter weather. A Winter Storm Watch is issued when heavy snow or ice are possible within the next day or two. This is the time to make necessary preparations. Winter Storm Warnings are issued when severe winter conditions have begun or are about to begin. Stay indoors and postpone travel if possible. A Blizzard Warning is the most severe winter weather product issued by the National Weather Service. When Blizzard Warnings are in effect, snow and strong winds are expected to combine to produce a blinding snow with near zero visibility and deep drifts, especially in rural locations. Wind chills may also drop to life threatening levels. Seek refuge immediately and refrain from travel. Winter Weather Advisories are issued when winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. If caution is exercised, these situations should not become life-threatening. The greatest hazard is often to motorists.


This is some information regarding frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is damage to body tissue that freezes and causes a loss of feeling and a pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, seek medical attention. If you must wait for help, slowly re-warm affected areas. However, if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia, such as shivering, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness, warm the body core first but slowly. Seek medical care immediately if the person's temperature drops below 95F. If medical care is not available, slowly begin warming the person, using your own body heat to help if needed. Get the person into dry clothing, and wrap them in a warm blanket covering the head and neck. Do not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee, or any hot food or beverage. Warm broth is better. Don't warm extremities such as arms and legs first. This drives cooler blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure.


If your vehicle becomes stranded and you're caught in a winter storm, you can do several things to protect yourself and increase the chances of being rescued. Stay in your vehicle instead of seeking help by walking. Disorientation occurs quickly in wind- driven snow and cold, especially at night. Run the motor about ten minutes each hour for heat. Open the window slightly for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked. Turn on the dome light at night when the engine is running to make yourself visible to rescuers. Tie a colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door. Raise the hood indicating trouble after snow stops falling. As you sit, exercise from time to time by moving your arms, legs, fingers and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm. Eat and drink periodically to prevent dehydration and help the body produce its own heat. If you have a cell phone and are able to call for help, remain aware of your location as you drive to help rescuers locate your vehicle.


The safest plan during winter storms is to check the latest road and weather reports and avoid driving if conditions are bad. If Your State does not recommend travel on your planned route, please heed their advice and cancel or delay your trip. If you must travel, be prepared in case you become stranded. Dress warmly and fully check and winterize your vehicle before you head out. Carry a winter storm survival kit including blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, a cell phone, non-perishable food with a can opener if needed, water and maps. Remember any critical medicine or other special needs. A shovel, sand or cat litter, a tow rope, booster cables, tire chains, fuel line drier, and a send help sign would also be beneficial if your vehicle becomes stuck. Also don't forget a windshield scraper and brush which can also be used even in lighter snows. You may become stranded in the cold and snow for several hours, so planing ahead could make the difference between life or death for you and your family.