Have fun in the sun this Summer...safely!

With the official start to Summer around the corner and COVID-19 pandemic restrictions getting looser, MEDUCOMers (and our pets!) are out soaking up the sun! Time spent outdoors does wonders for our mental and physical health, especially after a long Winter inside. Sunlight is thought to increase the brain’s release of serotonin, a ‘happy hormone’, and helps the body synthesize Vitamin D, an important player in bone health.

But did you know...we only need 5 to 15 minutes of sunlight on our arms, hands, and face 2 to 3 times a week to reap the vitamin D-boosting rewards! It's well known too much sun exposure increases risk of skin cancer and other consequences like leathery skin, dark spots and wrinkles.

If you’re going to be outside for more than 15 minutes, the Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation recommends staying in the shade, wearing sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher, and covering up with a hat, sunglasses, long sleeves and pants, especially between 10 am – 4 pm when sun rays are most direct. Be wary of the signs of sun damage including redness, peeling skin and sun burn, and talk to your doctor if you notice any new or growing brown or black moles.