Yesterday my family and I spent the whole day outside enjoying the Canada Day festivities and although I had on a sun block of 45 we had some difficulty finding shade most of the day and I ended up on the verge of being burnt. My kids think I'm a nag because I'm always stressing to them to put on sun block. And the reason I'm so pushy on the subject is because I had a close call with skin cancer along with numerous other people I know.  Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and it's preventable?  With skin cancer on the rise it pays to be sun smart.

Here are some tips to protect you against the sun:

• Keep babies under one year, out of direct sunlight.
• Use sunscreen and lip balm SPF 15 or higher and apply it 30 minutes before going outside and every 2-3 hours.  Reapply sunscreen after swimming or strenuous exercise. Also, make sure to apply sunscreen under sheer clothing.
• If you use insect repellent, apply it 30 minutes after you apply sunscreen.
• Listen to the daily UV index on the weather forecast. The UV index is used to measure how strong the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is on a particular day. Find out today's UV index rating from Environment Canada or US Environmental Protection Agency. Environment Canada also has a wonderful Sun Savvy Guide that you can enjoy with your child.
• Try to plan your outdoor activities so you are not in direct sunlight between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the UV radiation is the most intense.
• Wear UV protective sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection.
• Cover up whenever possible with a wide brim hat and clothing made of tightly woven fabric.

Have fun and be sun smart. For more information and fun activities for your child visit SunWise Kids.