Do you check the UV Index?

Do you check the UV index?

Fun story: The summer between high school and university (2010) I worked a student job for the PEI Division of the Canadian Cancer Society. I learned all about sun safety and sun awareness and was tasked with travelling the Island to share this with as many people as possible.

One of the first things that I learned was the UV Index.

The UV Index is a reading of how much of the sun’s rays actually reach the surface of the Earth. For example, if you are in a more southern area of the world, the UV index is going to be higher than those locations that sit more northern. The UV index can range from 1 (low) - 14 (extreme).

When the UV index is 3 or higher, skin protection (SPF) and coverage is incredibly important. This is when you want to find shade, avoid being in direct sun between 10am and 3 pm and cover yourself as much as possible (no teeny weeny polka dot bikinis 👙allowed!)

If you have an apple watch ⌚️, this information will be available in the weather app.

Radio weather reports often list UV index if it will be 2 or higher for the day, and if all else fails Environment Canada will have the listing and information you need!