Create your own shade

A beautiful summer day is a great time to be outdoors, but in Canada, sunlight is strong enough to cause skin cancer and premature aging of the skin.

“Shade is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of sun overexposure,” says Rowena Pinto, Director of Prevention and Public Issues at the Canadian Cancer Society, Ontario Division. “This includes creating shade around your home as well as in open spaces such as parks and beaches.”

There isn’t one shade design that suits all situations. Here are a few options to consider:

Plant deciduous trees – such as poplar, maple, willow, mountain ash, dogwood, oak, cherry, birch and elm – for excellent sun protection. As they mature, they provide large, thick coverings of leaves that block ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Build stand-alone structures – such as garden tents or gazebos – for easy, cost-effective ways to add shade. Tool sheds can also be strategically built to partially shade a deck or a sand box.
Add an awning to the side of your house for protection from the sun and rain. Or, build a porch or patio roof for more permanent sun and rain protection.
Bring along a large umbrella when at a park or beach. And always remember to wear a wide-brimmed hat, 100 per cent UV protection sunglasses and light, loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs.

For more information and additional sun safety tips, please visit the Use SunSense section of our website. Information is also available by calling the Society’s Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.

Regardless of how you create shade, it should offer the greatest protection between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest.

Last modified on: 13 December 2009